Chapter Text
Here, standing over her, William watched as his tornado of a wife threw a bunch of clothes into her luggage. They each had two for their upcoming honeymoon. William was excited, while nervous at the same time, so Kym being so playful about it made him feel a bubble of annoyance growing in his stomach. Honestly, the woman didn’t know when to stop. With a sigh of discontent, he spoke. “Kym, we do not need all of that.” He brought a hand up to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose and trying to find the will to not snap at her as he usually would.
Kym’s gaze shot up to meet Williams, her eyebrows furrowing with perspicuous annoyance. “We do need all of this!” She declared loudly, her gaze darting up and down from William to the pile of clothes, which oddly enough all had some kind of watermelon theme or design on them. “And don’t worry about any of them not being able to fit because I will make them fit. I will, even if it’s the last thing I do.”
The confidence in her voice was enough to drive William off the edge of the world, but he simply lacked the energy to argue with her any longer. In all honesty, the only thing he wanted to do was spend time with Kym, somewhere beautiful. And as expected, getting to this point was not easy. Even though they got married, he still couldn’t help feeling the same jittery feeling he got when Kym shot him her grin. Or the butterflies in his stomach every time she held his hand. And even if it was normal to ask about honeymoon spots as a newlywed couple, William Hawkes had been as red as a tomato, barely able to get the words out, maybe even allowing his voice to tremble. It was so unlike him. He felt like a little kid again, and he wasn’t sure if he loved this feeling or hated it.
Kym stepped away from the luggage she had been trying to pack, wrapping her arms around him lovingly. Despite the obvious way she tried to annoy her husband, she could still recognize when he was beginning to get frustrated with her. “Sorry for being so complicated.” She sighed, her tone sympathetic. William was a bit taken aback by her apology but before he could even respond he was very rudely shoved away by her. “But also not sorry! I can’t leave without these, Willame.” She turned her back to him and began trying to shove all the clothes into her bag once again.
A laugh of disbelief escaped William's lips. “Why did I marry you again?” He questioned, stepping behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her into him, her back was pressed to his chest. “Now, Kym,” He began, leaning down by her ear to press a kiss to her cheek. He often forgets he can actually hold her like this. Despite his embarrassment, he enjoys acts of physical affection. He had to get used to this. “You won’t have nearly enough time to wear all of that. Let’s take a few things out, okay?” He turned Kym around to face him now, smiling down at her softly. Perhaps a more gentle approach like this might work.
The woman stood there in shock at the bold actions of her husband. “Hmm… I didn’t know the Lieutenant was so touchy.” She teased. He pushed her away, crossing his arms as he glared down at her. He could feel the heat rising to his face as he stared down at the woman with more than an irritation.
“I just wanted to embrace my wife.” He retorted.
She burst into a fit of laughter, holding her stomach as she gasped for air. “Okay, alright, Will.”
He huffed in annoyance, pushing her gently to the side as he began to unpack all of the things she had piled into the suitcase. “Just sit on the bed. I’m packing.” He looked back at her pointedly before his gaze returned to the mess at hand. This was going to be a long trip for William, that was for sure.
Distraught was the only word that would describe Kym’s expression after being in the car for not even an hour. She was sitting with Will in the back since they had a driver. She looked like she was about to combust into dust if she stayed in this car any longer. And that was not far from the truth. Kym felt as if she was literally about to die of boredom. “I’m actually going crazy.” She said to no one in particular.
William sighed at her words. “Kym, it's just a car ride. You won’t die, quit being so dramatic.” He reached over to grab her hand, bringing it up to his lips, so he could press gentle kisses to her knuckles.
Kym exhaled at the feeling of his lips on her skin, seemingly relaxing by his touch. “It feels like I’ll die. It’s just so boring, Will.”
“Well… would you be interested in reading a book?” He asked, letting go of her hand and wrapping it around her shoulder to pull her against him.
“Not a chance.” She replied, looking up at him with an unamused expression.
“Fair enough.” He tilted his head to the side, deep in thought.
Kym rested her head against his shoulder, listening to him breathe as they sat in silence. She too, now being deep in thought. In all respect for herself, she never expected this to happen. Her, married to William Hawkes? Kym Hawkes? It all sounded and felt so strange and now she was actually on her way to their honeymoon spot. She has never felt so content with anything in her life before this. Seeing him flush over her teasing when he never would’ve before, or when he’d do small things like make her breakfast or wash her hair, it felt surreal. She could recall making jokes about him probably being the worst husband ever but he is far from it. He excels in it all and he never fails at surprising her.
A peck on the cheek brought her out of her thoughts. Her gaze flitted up at William who was grinning down at her sheepishly and he took that as his go-ahead to speak “What is on your mind? You seem peculiarly deep into thought.” Her eyebrows creased in confusion, so he cut to the chase. “You were smiling about it.”
Kym felt her face begin to heat up. She had at some point begun to smile at herself. “I was just thinking about us.” She said truthfully.
“Oh… really?” He muttered. It definitely looked like he wasn’t sure how to react, but before he could continue, Kym cut him off.
“I was just thinking about all the fun things we’ll do together,” She leaned in, a bigger smile on her face. Will didn’t trust the coy look in her eyes. “A newlywed couple in a beautiful place, alone together. I wonder what they’re planning to do behind the blinds.~”
“That’s… not really what you were thinking about, was it?” He raised an eyebrow. His tone suggested that it wasn’t really a question and he didn’t need her response to know. After all, Kym is never an enigma to him. Her smile faltered a little, and she moved away from him, leaning back on the seat lazily. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“It’s not that!” She said quickly, raising her hands frantically. She let out a huff. “It’s just… embarrassing, that’s all.” But the moment she saw the look in his eyes, she remembered he wasn’t the type to laugh at her about this. “Well, fine. I guess I just felt lucky, haha! Because I’m your wife.”
Will felt himself blush. He chuckled, not at the fact she felt lucky to be his wife, but at the fact she was embarrassed to say so. “Kym, I’m even luckier to be your husband.” He said with determination, staring at her fondly. “Even if you are a pain in the ass.” He added which earned him a playful punch to the stomach.
“I’ll show you how much of a pain I can be!” she exclaimed loudly, throwing yet another punch toward William's stomach, which he blocked this time.
He scoffed in amusement at her actions but that amusement turned to annoyance when she tried to punch him again. “Kym, you might cause the driver to question our relationship status if you keep this up.” He said sternly, shooting her a warning glare.
Kym sat back in her seat, childishly pouting and crossing her arms. “After this honeymoon is over, I’m not gonna go on a date with you for a month.” She snapped, but there was yet again another playful undertone in her voice. Everyone knew that she wouldn’t be able to do that. She was proven rather prone to empty threats.
“If Lauren were here she’d know you're lying right now,” He sighed exasperatedly, running his fingers through his hair. “I know you often spew nonsense and...” His sentence drifted off and he exhaled. “My love...” That sounded so strange coming from his lips, but it felt all too natural at the same time. He’s said it a million times to her by now but he still squeezes his heart. “You are a handful.”
“Whatever, Willame!” She huffed.
“Will you stop calling me that?” He replied irritably.
“My bad.” She said coldly. And now suddenly they sat at a good distance, in utter silence. Will was having a hard time understanding if she was actually mad or if it was a joke, but the air told him that this was probably her being annoyed with him. She huffed again, and that confirmed it.
After around 3 minutes, the silence was cut short by an obnoxiously loud gasp from Kym. “Will, I know what we can do!” She chirped. Her mood suddenly became a bit too merry. Almost devious.
William turned his head a little too quickly, his eyebrow cocking up. “Hm?”
“We can—” Kym began but was cut short by the car coming to an abrupt stop.
Without a word said, the driver got out and ran. Ran like they were on fire. Ran as if Koko the peacock was after them.
William sat there, his mouth agape. Jaw practically on the floor, shocked. “What… what just happened…?” He sputtered.
“I guess they were scared of what I was about to suggest.” She grinned at him, looking as if she had something evil planned.
“What were you… actually— actually, I don’t wanna know. I do not wanna know.” He felt a spider-like shiver crawl down his spine as he tried to come up with a logical explanation for the driver leaving them in the middle of the road. Honestly, he wouldn’t be surprised if it was actually because of Kym. He felt panic creeping up on him. “What are we gonna do now?”
“I— I don’t know.” He looked at Kym and her eyes were glazed with fear now.
“I could try to drive us there myself.” Will said, crawling to the front of the car. He had a bad feeling when the car wasn’t starting. He glanced back at Kym, and it seemed apparent she knew as well.
“William...” She said, giving him an almost pleading look, unsure of how to properly process this situation.
William frowned a little, trying to go over everything he could do in this situation to keep Kym calm and get the damned car started. This was the least expected way he thought this honeymoon would go. “It’ll be alright, Kym.” He said softly, tossing his lover a comforting smile.
Kym climbed up into the front passenger seat and began digging through the glove box, looking for anything that could help them.
No words or glances were exchanged for what felt like forever until a knock at the window made the newlyweds jump. William was quick to act immediately looking out the window to be greeted by two familiar figures. None other than Kieran White and Lauren Sinclair.
Kym was quick to jump out of the car and rush to embrace Lauren. “Oh. My. God. Lauren, our driver just got out of the car randomly and ran! Like— they ran like the devil was on their tail!” She said quickly, stuttering over her words. “Then, Will was going to try to drive and the car wouldn’t start.”
“You’ve certainly had an eventful day, Kym.” Kieran chimed, watching Lauren try to pry herself away from Kym, who seemed unwilling to let her go. He found it quite an amusing scene.
“Kym you tend to be a bit unbearable in the car at times, perhaps that is why the driver ran,” Lauren said nonchalantly.
“No way!” She whined. “I’m not that terrible!”
William slowly opened the car door stepping out, giving both Kieran and Lauren an apologetic look. “I have no clue how or why you guys are here but I am so happy to see you.” He sighed in relief before looking at Kieran. “Do you mind helping me jumpstart this car or something?” He asked politely.
Kieran nodded. “Of course. I couldn’t deny such a good friend of Lauren’s now could I?” He said, glancing over toward Lauren with a devilish grin. Lauren scoffed at him.
Kym sighed exasperatedly. “Okay. I’m not complaining or anything but how did you find us in the middle of nowhere?”
“The driver in question told us he left you two. I think he looked pretty anxious.” Lauren laughed lightheartedly.
Kieran had graciously offered to drive them to their honeymoon spot. And despite Will’s constant “you really don’t have to!”’s, that’s what he did. Kym and Will were once again in the back seat, grins on both of their faces.
The car was silent aside from a few murmurs from both duos. “Y’know…” Kym said in a voice barely above a whisper. She looked calm and had such a melting smile on her face. Will could almost feel himself melt. The sun was already setting, and his vision of Kym was painted in an orange hue. “Despite everything, I kinda had fun.”
“I must admit, you also gave me things to remember,” Will laughed nervously. “Whether good or bad.”
“Definitely some nice married couple activities.” She snorted. Then she proceeded to crack a joke. “We should do this more often, doncha think?"
"Only if we have someone reliable driving.” He scowled, thinking of their irresponsible driver.
“Of course.” She giggled. “Maybe a better car too. You tried to start it and then it broke. Oh my god... You broke the car, William!”
“Kym, I did not break the car!” He huffed, not exactly fond of the accusation. “I’m not really sure what happened, but it stopped working for whatever reason. It was just a coincidence.” He explained.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night.” Kym shrugged.
William was about to scold Kym but the car came to a stop, followed by Kieran letting out a breathy chuckle. “Alright, vous deux oiseaux d'amour,” He grinned at Lauren and instead of rolling her eyes like he thought she was going to, she gave an approving thumbs up.
“You said it correctly,” Lauren giggled.
“Kieran isn’t fluent in French?” William questioned, an amused smile blooming on his face.
“No, he isn’t,” Lauren replied, elbowing Kieran teasingly. He of course only groaned at the topic. “Alright anyways... Mr. and Mrs. Hawkes, I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon!” Lauren chimed, glancing back at the couple.
“We will, thank you for taking a small detour for us.” Will hummed happily, getting out of the car. “When will you guys get married already?” Kym questioned the other pair, but before she could get an answer, William was already on her side of the car, pulling their luggage out.
Once he took everything out, he looked up and saw Kym staring around. Williams' heart skipped a beat or two. “Do you like it?” He asked, smiling softly at her. She glanced at him, then the place again.
“Yes, I love it!” She replied, her eyes still glued to the lake and trees surrounding it. “Well, I’m glad.” He said, the smile glued to his face as he scratched the back of his neck. “After all, I did—“
Kym ran into his arms swiftly and kissed him. He was shocked by the sudden course of action. He kissed her back and it was pleasant. It was something he’d been waiting to do, but she beat him to it.
What a road trip.