Work Text:
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
Ember stared at the clock and tried not to focus on the sound that burrowed its way into her brain.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
Her pulse quickened with each movement of the second hand.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
"UGH! SHUT UP!" Ember yelled, standing to her feet and glaring at the clock with ire.
The clock continued to mock her with ticks and tocks.
Ember saw red, and her flame turned to a blazing purple. She was gonna throw the damned thing off the wall then stomp on it as much as it takes to shut it up. "MotherFUCKING-"
"Ember?"
Quickly turning around, Ember noticed Wade was quietly standing in the entryway, with a bag full of groceries. He looked concerned and quickly put the bag down on the ground of their apartment kitchen.
"You okay?"
Ember sniffled and held back her tears. This was the first time her temper had gotten the best of her in quite a while. Although, when she thought about it, it wasn’t as much her temper as it was her extreme anxiety. Her pulse continued to race as she thought about what she was going to do. Sure, she knew it’s been coming for months, but tomorrow was the day that she was going to meet with the glass company in person. Ember’s flame diminished a little as she walked over to Wade.
Wade didn’t need an answer to realize what was going on. He opened his arms and let Ember in for a hug, and held her close and tight. Planting a kiss on the top of her head, Wade thought about the upcoming meeting and how scared Ember must feel.
In the months that they've been together, Wade realized that Ember didn't get nervous often; she usually faced every problem head-on and with passion and determination. Sure, there were moments where she was stressed, but anxiety (at least, the kind that she agrees to show) was rare. It was a vulnerable moment for her.
"It's all gonna be okay," Wade said softly.
Taking a shuddering breath, Ember looked up at Wade and nodded once before burying her face back into his chest.
Wade wrapped one arm around Ember's waist and took her hand in his, and he began to slowly dance, just like they did when they first touched. It grounded them both, made them feel so intimately connected, that they found that just dancing a little can soothe their souls.
"You're going with me, right?" Ember asked, her voice breaking a little with emotion. He had already said that he'd go with her to the office many times already, but she needed to hear it again.
Wade smiled and hummed a small note. "Of course I am. I won't leave your side."
The two were quiet for a moment, lavishing in each other's company as they swayed to a song only they could hear. The dance ended in a kiss, and Wade held her cheek gently in one hand.
"You are so beautiful, and so talented, and truly amazing, Ember Lumen. I love you so much."
Ember's heart did a flutter and her flame glowed with warmth. "I love you too. I never thought I would say those words so much,” she said with a giggle. “But I’m so glad I get to say it to you.”
Of course, those words struck Wade through the heart and he teared up until the tears flowed down his cheeks. Ember laughed and kissed away some of the tears.
~~~~~~
The two made and ate dinner, then watched some television. Ember was settled for a while, but soon enough, her mind began to wander again when she was helping to clean up. What if the glass company didn’t like her work? Worse than that, what if they didn’t like her? What if her temper flares up over some stupidly petty thing and makes her look bad? What if-
“You’re overthinking again. Do you wanna talk it out?” Wade’s voice cut through her thoughts.
“I just…I don’t know. Do you know for certain what your mom said to them?”
“Well, she told them how amazingly talented you are. I know that for certain,” Wade replied. “I’m sure she mentioned your ability to work fast, and come up with beautiful designs on the fly. And probably lots of other good things!” His voice was cheery and positive like it almost always was, but laced with a tone of concern and love, too. Taking one of her hands in his, he led her away from the kitchen and back into the living room, where he sat her down. Wade was sure to keep holding her hand, and squeezed it reassuringly.
“I’m so scared of not being good enough. This is the top glass company in the world and I don’t know if I’m talented enough to even walk into the building! I feel like everything is riding on me getting this and it’s just so much to think about.”
“You’ve prepared and practiced for this for months. I’ve seen what you’ve created, and most importantly, seen your passion for creating. I know they’ll see it, too. And honestly, if they don’t, you don’t need to be there anyway. You don’t need that negativity.”
Ember looked around at their apartment, which was decorated with glass vases, bowls, trinkets and little objects all made with love by her own two hands. She had sold plenty of her works lately, so she knew she shouldn’t doubt her talent when it comes down to it, but she couldn’t get rid of that nagging voice telling her that she’s bound to fail. Her gaze fell to her lap.
“I don’t want to let you down,” she said, almost in a whisper.
Wade was confused for a moment. Why would she be scared of something like that? “I don’t see why you would ever let me down. You amaze me every moment of every day.”
“I just don’t want you to be disappointed in me.” Ember knew it was a stupid thing to worry about, considering how Wade has been nothing but wonderful and has worked through all of her issues by her side, but she had been holding it in for too long and these thoughts had to go somewhere.
“Ember.”
Wade’s voice was stern. Ember lifted her gaze from her lap to Wade’s face.
“I need you to listen to me. You could never, ever disappoint me if what you’re doing is something genuine. I know how badly you want to do this. If I’m being honest, I would be more disappointed if you didn’t give it a chance. I am not expecting you to be perfect in their eyes, because, well, the idea of perfection changes from person to person. But you’re perfect in my eyes.” He squeezed her hand again. “You never, ever need to worry about letting me down. I know you have a hard time with that little voice in your head, telling you you’re not good enough. You’re more than enough, and next time it tells you that you’re not good enough for whatever reason, tell it that it can go fuck itself.”
Letting out a small laugh, Ember’s eyes softened and she placed her forehead against her beloved’s. “Thank you, Wade. I'll definitely keep that in mind.”
~~~~~~~~
The next day, Ember walked out of the doors to the main office and stepped into the lounge where Wade was patiently waiting. He looked up at her when she entered.
“Well? How’d it go?”
Ember smiled and nodded, and Wade threw his hands in the air in celebration before giving her a huge hug. “I told you that you could do it!”
Ember laughed and kissed his face all over. “Thank you for being my cheerleader.”
Wade grinned and kissed her softly with both of his hands on her cheeks. “Let’s go home and celebrate.”