Work Text:
The first time he'd said it, he hadn't even realised what he was saying until the words were spilling out of his mouth. Skiddy had taken one look at Arlo and had immediately gotten wary and defensive. Auggie knew that if he didn't say something to explain her presence, they wouldn't get the answers they'd need from him. Auggie had glanced at Arlo, beautiful, ethereal Arlo in her expensive tailored clothes, not a hair out of place, nor a speck of dirt to be seen, and panicked. Because how on earth was he supposed to explain why a woman like Arlo would be traipsing around a stinking alley, talking to strange homeless men about monsters that lurk in the shadows at night?
Nothing had come to mind. Nothing, except for the foolhardy dream that he tries not to think too hard about when he's alone. The dream in which Arlo is his wife and they have a nice little house together. A house with a garden, because Arlo would be pretty as a picture in a nice garden. And they would dance together barefoot in the kitchen, after the dishes from dinner have been washed and packed away. Auggie knows that Arlo is super weird. He knows that she can see things beyond his realm of understanding. He also knows that her hand is super fucked up. But that's fine. It really is. Because who cares that her hand is all dead and cracked, with a scary void of nothingness in a hole in her palm? Auggie certainly doesn't. So what if her hand is ten levels of crazy? So what if she can probably see ghosts? Arlo is still hauntingly beautiful, super kind and generous, and she laughs at all of Auggie's jokes. Arlo has also never cared a lick that Auggie grew up on the streets, a world away from her family's money and status. She has never once made him feel unworthy of her time and interest.
So, when Skiddy asked who she was, Auggie only had one response in mind. "She's my woman."
Then to Auggie's shock and delight, Arlo had not only played along without question or hesitation, but she escalated the lie. "Oh, yes Auggie and I have been dating. We are quite betrothed."
Then Arlo had smiled that dazzling smile right at him and he had felt his whole chest swell with pride and affection for her. After that, it became so easy to slip into the lie as a cover during their Candela cases. Even though Arlo had bought him the fanciest, most comfortable suit he had ever worn in his life, it is still clear that he doesn't quite fit in with the rest of them. Howard is a fancy professor, Charlie is a savvy businesswoman, and Arlo is an actual heiress. And Auggie is clever and street smart for sure, but he's still just a paperboy at the end of the day. So, when people start to look a bit too closely now, Arlo will automatically reach for Auggie, and he will slip his arm around her waist and he will tell them that they are dating. Then Arlo will always correct him and say that they are actually betrothed, with a wink and a smile that always makes his heart race. He thinks that the distinction between dating and betrothed must be more important for rich people, so he never questions her on it. He's usually more focussed on the warm press of her body against his side to be completely honest. Or the lovely crisp smell of her shiny hair. Or the way that her eyes crinkle in the corners when she smiles.
Whenever he and Arlo start spinning their usual tale, he notices the way that Charlie smiles and sometimes winks at him like she knows something he doesn't. He also notices when his arm is around Arlo's waist, the way that Howard doesn’t seem to know where to look, but when the older man catches his eye, he always gives him a curt nod. It's all very nice. Auggie just wishes that Arlo could be his girl for real, but with Eddie possibly still stuck out there somewhere, his chances feel slim to none. It’s why he’s never mustered up the courage to ask her out. He wants to, more than anything he’s ever wanted in his whole life, but Arlo is obviously still very fond of Eddie. Auggie just doesn’t know how he could fit into that picture. So, he just takes each day as it comes and does his best to live in each moment with Arlo while he can.
At a very early hour in the morning, just after he had gotten out of bed, Reggie knocks on Auggie’s door and lets him know that “Miss Arlo Black is here to see you.”
Auggie hastily finishes getting dressed and quickly finger combs his hair to make himself presentable. At this early hour his first thought is that something has happened, and that Candela must be convening for a meeting. After the hits they had taken on their last case, they haven’t been called in for weeks and Auggie still hadn’t expected to be called in again so soon. He knows that Charlie is still very rattled, and he hasn’t seen Howard at all. The only other time they had been this collectively harmed at the end of a case had been when Charlie had lost the use of her hand. Auggie himself now sports a fresh new burn scar on his forearm, but it doesn’t even sting anymore.
He rushes along to the kitchen and is surprised to find Arlo sitting completely alone, staring intently at an empty space in the corner. Auggie feels a little chill creep down his spine at the thought of something being there that he can’t see. It doesn’t last long though, as Arlo turns towards him with a brilliant smile when she notices his arrival.
“Good morning, Auggie.” Arlo stands up and brushes invisible wrinkles out of her coat.
“Good morning, ma’am.” He reflexively tips his hat to her, and she giggles in the sweetest way.
“I’m sorry to drop in on you unannounced, but I was wondering if you are free tomorrow and if you could be available to help me smooth something over.” Arlo steps forward and straightens up the collar of Auggie’s shirt. It’s one of the new ones that she has bought for him, and the material doesn’t itch even a little bit. He owns a few nice suits now, thanks to Arlo. She rests her hands briefly over his collarbones when she is done and smiles so softly at him.
Arlo could ask him to set himself on fire right now and he’d probably do it. At the very least, he’d seriously consider it. “Yeah, of course, what do you need?”
“It’s a long story. Why don’t I tell you over breakfast? My treat of course.” Arlo slides her not scary hand slowly down his bicep before wrapping her arm primly around the crook of his elbow.
“That sounds great!” Auggie rests his free hand gently over the one that Arlo is using to hold onto his arm. “Come on! I know a place that does the best pancakes in the city.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Arlo doesn’t resist as Auggie starts leading her along the street. Their pace isn’t hurried and Auggie realises suddenly what they must look like to outsiders. He’s wearing his newest suit and Arlo is beautiful as always, the two of them are arm in arm strolling to get breakfast. They look like any other young couple and Auggie feels a surge of pride that it’s Arlo on his arm.
It doesn’t take too long before they are seated in a small booth and a big plate of pancakes is being placed in front of each of them. Auggie’s mouth waters at the smell. Arlo carefully places a napkin over her lap before starting, so Auggie copies her. He doesn’t want to stain his new suit, especially not in front of her.
They eat in companionable silence, Auggie sneaking glances at Arlo the whole time. He is absolutely entranced by the way that the light coming through the window is highlighting all of the rich shades of brown in Arlo’s thick dark hair.
Arlo doesn’t finish her all her pancakes, but she easily slides her plate over to Auggie when his plate is empty. They’ve eaten enough meals together now that she knows he is happy to finish her portion if she can’t get through it on her own. He happily starts on his second helping while Arlo begins telling her story.
“So Auggie, I don’t know if you remember when we went to the museum for the case before our last one, but we had told the guards that you and I were on a date and that Charlie and Howard were our chaperones. They were watching everyone quite closely, but they had believed us. Possibly because Howard was looking particularly stern that day.” Arlo giggles in fond remembrance.
Auggie swallows a mouthful of unchewed pancake and does his best not to choke as it drags slowly down his throat. He gulps a few mouthfuls of water in an effort to free the lump of dough from his esophagus. Of course, he remembers the museum. It was a warm day, so his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and Arlo had wrapped her ungloved hand around his forearm and he had burned at the feeling of skin-on-skin contact. They had strolled leisurely through the exhibits while they kept a keen eye out for the artifact they had been looking for. It had taken them hours to find it and at some point along the way he had forgotten to pretend that they were on a date. He had felt like it was real. Arlo had been explaining to him in detail what all of the exhibits were about and he had listened to her with rapt attention, her voice ethereal and delightful. It came as a shock when Howard had approached them from his dedicated chaperone position of several steps behind them to point out the artifact.
They had wrapped up the case quickly and without incident after that, but Gods, Auggie still thinks about the museum. He still thinks about the steady warmth of Arlo’s soft hand lightly holding his forearm.
Auggie clears his throat and nods. “Yeah, I remember the museum.”
“Oh, good.” Arlo winks at him and he has to remind himself to breathe. “As it turns out, an associate of my father was also in attendance at the museum that day and he saw us together. My father had a meeting with this man yesterday and he mentioned seeing us there. Naturally, my father had a lot of questions for me last night after he arrived home.”
“What did you say?” Auggie feels a small spike of anxiety ripple through his chest. He really hopes that he didn’t get Arlo into any trouble. She’s never spoken much about her parents beyond the fact that they are both still alive and that she lives with them, but Auggie knows that powerful men don’t stay that way without an iron will and an inability to let things slide. Auggie is acutely aware that taking the daughter of a wealthy man on dates without asking his permission first, chaperoned or not, would definitely fall into the category of something he shouldn’t let slide.
“Well, he firstly wanted to know who you were and how we’d met. So, I told him your name and that I met you through Howard, which technically isn’t a lie. My father is now under the assumption that you are one of Howard’s students at the university.” Arlo pauses and leans in conspiratorially. “He also wanted to know why I hadn’t informed him that a young gentleman was courting me.”
Auggie’s mouth goes dry at the playful glimmer in Arlo’s eyes, so he takes a sip of water. He only feels a little stupid as he repeats himself. “What did you say, to that?”
“I told him that you are aware of Eddie, so you are being respectful and that you are waiting for me to be ready. I told him that he will be the first to know when we start courting with the intention of betrothal.” Arlo leans back and takes a dainty sip of tea.
Auggie is only peripherally aware of how all the blood in his body is currently thundering painfully through his veins. Courting with the intention of betrothal! Does she actually mean that she wants to be courted by him? Or was she just downplaying everything, so her father won’t look too closely? Auggie knows that Arlo’s parents don’t know about Candela, so it would be a good cover for the times that she disappears late at night. But the way that she is looking at him makes him so unsure. There is something in her eyes that he can’t read, and he desperately wants to know what she is thinking. Is it actually possible that Arlo might have feelings for him too?
“Um, right, so ah…” Auggie scratches nervously behind his ear. “What is it that you need my help with then?”
“Oh, I was wondering if you would like to come to lunch tomorrow so that I can present you to my parents. My father was quite insistent that we are not to spend any more time together until he has met you in person.” Arlo smiles at Auggie and he is surprised to notice the pink blush dusting over her cheekbones. Is she nervous? What is happening?
Oh Gods, Arlo wants Auggie to meet her parents. She wants him to meet her parents with the intention of introducing him as a possible romantic partner. The thought makes him light-headed.
“I was also hoping that we could go and pay a visit to Charlie once you’ve finished with your breakfast. My father was told that she was one of our chaperones at the museum and he has extended the invitation to her as well.” Arlo continues like she hasn’t just completely thrown Auggie for a loop.
“You want me to meet your parents?” Auggie chokes out in a daze. “As the man that is courting you?”
“Well of course.” Arlo states, like her answer is a foregone conclusion.
“Okay then.” Auggie takes a deep breath and straightens his spine. It won’t be that bad and it’s not like he and Arlo are actually courting or anything. This will just be a part of them keeping their cover for Candela. They’ll pretend like they always do, they’ll eat a fancy lunch and then they can go back to way things usually are. One lunch, that’s it. One lunch where he pretends to be head over heels for Arlo. Which won’t be hard at all because he is basically head over heels for Arlo already. This will be a piece of cake.
Auggie fiddles with his tie as he and Charlie walk along the street towards Arlo’s house. It is a surprisingly beautiful day in Newfaire and he is wearing the finest suit he owns. He even learned how to tie a tie to finish off the look. He is looking pretty spiffy, even if he does say so himself. Charlie had helped him to comb his hair like a proper gentleman and everything, but some of the strands are still curling a little loosely over his brow despite her best efforts. She had smiled proudly at him and called him handsome and man, even if nothing else good comes of today he will be riding the high of that feeling alone for weeks.
Charlie has gone all out for the occasion too. She is wearing a lovely maroon dress, tailored to fit her perfectly. She’s had her hair done up specially as well. It looks like how she used to wear it back when she still had two working hands. Her make-up is subtle and pretty and she has her arm looped around Auggie’s elbow as they stroll. He has his own hand resting on top of hers to hide that she can’t move those fingers anymore. This leaves her working hand as her free hand and Auggie knows that she doesn’t do vulnerability well, so he feels very honoured that she is comfortable walking with him like this.
Mister Tellbrook greets them at the front door promptly after Auggie knocks. He silently leads them through the house to a large foyer, with an entire wall made of glass that overlooks a very well-kept garden. The foyer is sparsely furnished aside from an ornate wooden dining table that is decorated with fresh flowers and five place settings. When they enter the room Arlo and her parents are already seated at the table, with Mister Black at the head of the table, his wife seated on his right-hand side, and Arlo next to her mother. The other two empty place settings are on the left-hand side of Mister Black, which will give Auggie and Charlie a clear view into the garden.
Upon their entry, the Black family all rise to greet them. Arlo comes over to them and hugs first Auggie and then Charlie before leading them both back over to her parents.
“Father, Mother, this is August James.” Arlo presents Auggie to her parents with a soft smile. “He’s the boy I was telling you about. Auggie, these are my parents, Arthur and Florence.”
Arthur is a tall man with dark eyes and thick dark hair that is greying at the temples, and he has a magnificent moustache artfully curled at the ends. He is still in quite good shape and his skin looks a little sun darkened. While it’s clear that Arlo has inherited her father’s dark eyes and hair, everything else has obviously come from her mother. Arlo is the spitting image of Florence in every way, except her mother has auburn hair, shot through with light streaks of grey, and green eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Auggie holds out his hand and has to resist the urge to sigh in audible relief when Arthur Black takes it without hesitation and shakes it firmly.
“The pleasure is mine, August. Thank you for accepting my invitation for lunch.” Arthur replies pleasantly.
Arlo clears her throat delicately, drawing the attention of her father again. “And this is Charlotte Eaves.”
Arthur bows his head politely in acknowledgement of Charlotte as Florence steps forward and kisses her on each cheek. After more greetings are said and received Arthur invites them all to sit.
Auggie and Arthur stand while the ladies settle around the table. Charlotte is across from Florence and Arlo is once again seated next to her mother. Once the ladies are settled, Auggie and Arthur sit down as well. Auggie does his best not to blush as Arlo grins at him.
The conversation over lunch remains polite and neutral and Auggie does his best to follow along while also trying to work out why he has three different forks next to his plate. Once they have finished eating Arthur invites them out to the garden. There is a large blanket already prepared in a shaded spot under a large tree that Florence leads Arlo and Charlie towards. The ladies all artfully arrange themselves on the blanket and Auggie thinks they would make a pretty painting.
Auggie moves to follow the women, but Arthur stops him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Come walk with me, August.”
Auggie gulps but doesn’t argue. “Yeah, of course Mister Black.”
Arthur leads Auggie on a meandering path through the garden, pointing out various plants as they go and explaining what it is or where he acquired it. Auggie does his best to remain calm and polite, but he can feel the prickle of nervous sweat on the back of his neck. He is alone now with Arlo’s father and Auggie knows that Arthur hasn’t dragged him halfway across the garden away from Arlo to show him some flowers, as pretty as they are.
They walk for a few more minutes before Arthur guides him over to sit on a bench in the shade, set against the stone wall of the garden. Auggie braces himself as best he can for the conversation he knows is coming.
“August, you seem like a fine young man. You have a good work ethic, good manners, and an honest disposition. I just need to know what your intentions are for my daughter.” Arthur clears his throat before Auggie can respond and looks out across the garden at the tree that the ladies are sitting beneath. “I’ll be very honest with you, August. I’ve not seen Arlo this bright, or this present since before Eddie disappeared. It brings me joy to see her so happy again, but I do also worry about her. She never told me the details about her accident or what happened with Eddie, but I do know that my girl came home one day with a broken heart and a hand scarred beyond belief. She hasn’t been right since, you know? She sees things that aren’t there, she hears voices where no-one else can. Sometimes it feels like her body is present, but her mind is a million miles away. Something inside her broke and I can’t help but feel like it was Eddie that broke her. And I trusted that man with my only daughter! I trusted him because he was from a good family, he was educated, and he made Arlo happy. He betrayed my trust and if he isn’t actually dead, I will make him wish he were, for the hurt that he has caused. I worried that after her trauma that no man would be able to see past her eccentricities. I worried that no man would be honestly willing to try with her and that my money would be the only thing that they would see in her. I have always worried about Arlo, since she was very small, as is my duty as her father, but I failed her when I entrusted her safety to a man that wasn’t worthy of her. Now I need to know, August, are you worthy of her? Can I trust you to keep her safe? To keep her happy? Because I won’t live forever, and I cannot bear the thought of leaving her alone in this world. I need to know; do you honestly love her? Do you love her for who she is and not what she could do for you?”
Auggie does his best to still his shaking hands. He doesn’t know what he was expecting from Arthur Black, but it certainly wasn’t this. He expected to be threatened within an inch of his life for daring to even approach the daughter of a wealthy man, not to receive an impassioned speech about the man’s unending love for his child. He takes a moment to really think about his response as he clears the lump from his throat. He suddenly feels absolutely dreadful that he and Arlo are lying to cover themselves and their association with Candela. He really, truly doesn’t want to lie to Arthur Black, especially after the man has been so bluntly honest with him. Auggie realises though, that he doesn’t have to lie. He can be truthful about his feelings because his feelings are real. He just won’t mention any details about their fake relationship.
“Mister Black, you were honest with me, so I’ll be honest with you. I couldn’t care less about your money.” Auggie states seriously, pointedly ignoring Arthur’s look of surprise. “I grew up poor as dirt. I was an orphan living on the streets, until Charlotte did me the kindness of taking me in as a kid. Now, she may not be my mother by blood, or by name, but she’s the only mother I’ve ever had, and I love her for it. I don’t love her because of her money, or because of the things she was able to give to me. I love her because she made time for me, she listened to me, she cared for me. For those same reasons, I don’t love Arlo because she has money. I’ve never had much of it anyway, and I don’t need any more than I already have to get by. I love Arlo because she has a kind heart. I love her because she’s curious and she’s smart and she laughs at my jokes. Yeah, I’ll admit when I first met her, she freaked me out a little and her hand took some getting used to, but she’s so much more than that. I don’t know if I’m worthy of her or not, but I do know that I love her more than I’ve ever loved anyone in my life, and I will always do whatever I can to keep her safe.”
Auggie takes a deep breath to try and calm his racing heart as Arthur stares at him intently. He is about to get up and start nervously pacing but Arthur places a hand on Auggie’s shoulder, making him go still.
“You’re a fine young man, August James. I think I would be honoured to call you my son.” Arthur squeezes Auggie’s shoulder once before standing up. “I want you to know that I approve of you courting Arlo and that when you are ready to propose, I will give you her grandmother’s ring.”
“You don’t care that I’m an orphan?” Auggie asks, shocked at Arthur’s resounding approval.
“You’ve just told me that you are the son of Charlotte Eaves. Her name has more than enough sway in my circles to avoid too many questions. Besides, Eddie was more than enough proof that being from a good family doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have the heart to match.” Arthur starts leading Auggie back through the garden towards the ladies. “I’ll also tell you August, that the Black family did not always have the wealth and status we currently have. My grandfather was a labourer that worked in a sawmill from the age of nine. He worked hard and by twenty-five he owned that mill. My father drastically expanded my grandfather’s business when he took it over and by the time it was my turn to inherit, it was a veritable empire. I don’t care that you’ve grown up poor August, if anything, it means you’ll be able to properly appreciate the returns of your own hard work.”
“Auggie!” Arlo calls out once they are back within earshot. “Come and sit with me.”
Auggie glances quickly at Arthur to make sure their conversation in finished and the older man gives him a small nod of approval. He makes his way over to Arlo and sits himself down between her and Charlie. Arlo’s warm hand immediately lands on his forearm, and she smiles at him so brightly that he feels warmth tingle into his cheeks. Finally admitting out loud that he loves Arlo is like letting the cat out of the bag. There’s no way it’s going back in and now that’s it here it’s very hard to ignore.
The rest of the afternoon passes by in a blur as Auggie does his best to put his thoughts in order. He needs to talk to Arlo, as soon as possible. He needs to tell her how he feels and then he’ll know for sure if she feels the same or not. Even if she doesn’t feel the same, at least he’ll know, and he can start moving on. He just knows that he can’t go another day without knowing how Arlo feels about him.
So, when they are all in the foyer saying their goodbyes, he whispers in Arlo’s ear and tells her to meet him tonight in the garden, so they can talk. Arlo nods and wiggles her eyebrows at him, making him smile fondly at her.
Auggie escorts Charlie safely home and they make pleasant small talk for the trip, but he can see the knowing look in her eyes and appreciates that she isn’t pressing him for any details. On his way back to Arlo’s house he stops and buys a small bouquet of flowers, because he is a gentleman after all. His tie is in his pocket now though and his first few buttons are undone because he felt like he was being strangled. He doesn’t think Arlo will mind though.
It's dark when he arrives back at the Black estate, and he scales the wall into the backyard completely undetected. It helps a lot that he’s already seen the layout of the garden, so he easily makes his way to a comfortable spot to wait for Arlo. Auggie doesn’t have to wait for too long for the lights in the windows to progressively start going out as the household goes to bed.
He waits patiently until he sees a slight, feminine figure slipping out the back door into the darkness of the garden. Auggie walks out into the open, to a space where Arlo should be easily able to see him waiting. He offers his arm to her when she reaches him, and she takes it gladly. They stroll through the garden until they reach the bench that Auggie sat on with Arthur earlier in the day. It’s far enough away from the main house that they can talk at a normal volume without any risk of being heard.
Auggie is absolutely breathless at the sight of Arlo as she carefully takes a seat on the bench. She is wearing a simple housecoat over the top of a long silvery nightgown and her long hair is cascading loose over her shoulders in gentle waves. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen her hair down before and his fingers twitch with the effort of not reaching out to touch it. She must have gotten ready for bed to avoid suspicion and Auggie almost feels improper at getting to see her like this.
He thrusts the bunch of flowers at her, when he finally remembers that he’s still holding them, and she ducks her head briefly with a pleased smile.
“What are these for, Auggie?” Arlo asks as she sniffs at the delicate blooms.
“Uh, they’re for you.” Auggie nervously scratches his neck.
“Did you set up a clandestine meeting just to give me some flowers that you could have given to me earlier?” Arlo grins conspiratorially. “How romantic.”
“Well, not just for that.” Auggie kneels on the ground in front of Arlo and takes both of her hands in his own. He doesn’t even hesitate at the sight of the void in her uncovered grey hand. He does somewhat note that it is colder to touch than her other hand, but he doesn’t care. He looks up at her and she is already smiling fondly at him. “I just really needed to tell you something and I didn’t want to wait anymore.”
“Oh, is everything alright?” Arlo asks as a little concerned crease appears between her eyebrows.
“Yeah, everything is great!” Auggie reassures quickly. “So great! I just, oh man, I’ve never done this before. Arlo, I really, really like you. Like, so much. You’re just the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, and you’re so smart and funny too. I guess, I’m trying to ask if you would like to court me? Uh, well I mean I would be courting you, but yeah, you get it.”
“Auggie, I don’t understand.” Arlo carefully removes her normal hand from Auggie’s grip and uses it to brush the hair back off his forehead before sliding it under his chin and lifting it, so he is looking at her. “We’ve been courting for weeks. It’s why I wanted you to meet my parents.”
“We have?!” Auggie’s eyes bulge so wide he briefly worries about pulling a muscle in his face.
“I thought the museum was our first date?” Arlo tilts her head in confusion. “I said before we went in that I always thought the museum would be a romantic first date and then you offered me your arm and agreed with me.”
“I, I… Oh Gods, I’m an idiot.” Auggie feels a blush burn hard across his cheeks and down his neck in embarrassment. “I thought you were saying that as a cover for our case and I was playing along. No wonder Charlie and Howard kept smiling and winking at me.”
Arlo pulls her hands back and clasps them tightly together in her lap, suddenly nervous. “I’m sorry Auggie, I must have misunderstood. Today must have been very confusing for you.”
“Well, yeah, but Arlo I want to court you.” Auggie carefully rests his palms over Arlo’s knees reassuringly. “We both misunderstood that day, but I’m saying right here, right now that I want you. Do you feel the same about me?”
“Of course, I do, Auggie.” Arlo’s posture relaxes ever so slightly in her relief. “Of course, I want you. You are the most wonderful man I’ve ever met and I’m hopelessly in love with you.”
“You are?!” Auggie squeaks in surprise.
“I am.” Arlo smiles the softest smile at Auggie, and his heart feels like it explodes in butterflies.
Arlo loves him! Arlo is in love with him!
“I’m in love with you too, Arlo.” Auggie admits happily.
Arlo stands up abruptly and pulls Auggie up with her. He stumbles a little as he catches his balance, leaving him standing only a hairsbreadth away from Arlo. Her dark eyes are shining in the starlight and her white teeth are standing out in stark relief in the darkness. She’s absolutely stunning.
Arlo throws her arms around Auggie’s shoulders and stands up on her tiptoes, bringing their faces so close together that their noses are brushing slightly.
“So, you love me, and I love you.” Arlo says quietly, close enough that Auggie can feel the brush of her breath against his lips.
Auggie doesn’t respond, he just closes the tiny gap between them and presses his lips to Arlo’s, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her body tightly against his own. One of her hands is pulling slightly in his hair and it’s a delicious contrasting sting compared to the softness of the rest of her. He gets lost in the kiss, lost in the taste and smell of Arlo, lost in the feel of her beneath his hands. He isn’t even aware of having moved until he is pressing Arlo against the stone wall next to the bench and she is gasping into his mouth at the shock of the sudden cold against her back. He presses against her harder and Arlo’s gasp turns into a pleased groan and Auggie is suddenly feeling hot all over.
Auggie breaks the kiss to take a much-needed breath, but he doesn’t move away from Arlo. He keeps her pressed against the rough stone of the wall with his body, feeling her chest rise and fall with every heaving breath she takes. She is looking at him with eyes so dark they look fathomless. Her lips are red and kiss swollen, and her hair is a wild mess of curls. Arlo has never looked more beautiful.
“You love me, and I love you.” Auggie whispers into the tiny space between them, doing his best to memorise every second of this moment.
Auggie proudly courts Arlo for months and brags constantly about her being his woman to anyone who will listen. They follow up on a few more cases for Candela and Auggie does his absolute best to keep Arlo safe.
He also does his absolute best to let her know that she is loved every single day and one year to the day after their first kiss, he presents her with her grandmother’s ring in her father’s garden.
Candela has shown them all that life can be short though, so they don’t drag out the engagement. They have a small wedding, surrounded by their friends and family. Charlie and Howard take the places of Auggie’s parents, and they both tell him that they are proud of him and that they are happy for him and Arlo.
Auggie wears a suit that is nicer than any he has yet owned, and Arlo wears a gorgeous lacy white dress that takes his breath away and long white satin gloves.
Auggie holds Arlo close as they dance, so absorbed in her that he has forgotten about everyone else in the room. He kisses her softly and she smiles that breath-taking smile at him.
“You love me, and I love you.” Arlo says with a twinkle in her eye.
“You love me, and I love you.” Auggie echoes the sentiment to his brand-new wife. He knows without a doubt, that he has never been happier in his entire life than he is right now, dancing with Arlo as she looks at him like that.