Chapter Text
The gentle evening sun lights up the room, shining through the slightly opened window. A chorus of hoots fills the air as nearby owls greet the start of their day.
Rara sits at her desk, unmarked tests scattered across it.
She gently taps her pen beside the paper that she’s currently correcting.
Her eyes dart across the paragraphs of theory, struggling to decipher the messy handwriting and unconventional grammar.
William sits behind her on the newly bought couch.
He lazily swipes through his phone, trying to find something to keep him occupied while he waits for her to finish.
An exhausted sigh pulls his attention to her.
William:
You okay?
Rara:
Yeah. Just tired.
He chuckles softly, his deep voice calming her.
William:
Yes, I can tell.
With a huff, Rara rolls her eyes.
Rara:
You’re so mean to me.
William:
After years of bullying, I’m pretty sure that I can be excused.
Rara:
That wasn’t bullying, it was teasing.
William:
Still very mean. If I had loved you as much as I do now, my heart would have literally shattered.
Rara (scoffing):
Okay, drama queen.
William (sarcastic):
I really hit the jackpot with you, didn’t I?
Rara (proud):
Precisely. And don’t you forget it.
William grins widely as he puts his phone down. He quietly joins her at the desk and takes a look at her work.
William:
That looks like a lot.
Rara:
That’s because it is a lot, genius.
William:
Still so mean.
Rara:
And yet, you’re still so in love with me.
William:
Why that is, is beyond me.
Rara:
It’s because I’m amazing, William.
William:
Amazingly stubborn.
Before she can reply, he grabs one of the tests and looks it over, still bent over the desk.
William:
Why do you make them write so much?
Rara:
To see how much they know. Why do you time how fast your students write?
William:
You’re just saying that because you’re a slow writer.
Rara:
Shut up.
William:
Would you like some help?
Rara:
No.
William:
Right. Of course. Rara Victoria cannot possibly accept help from anybody-
Rara (annoyed):
Don’t start that, William. This isn’t about that.
William:
Then what is it about, hm?
Rara (frustrated):
I simply don’t need any help! Is that really so hard to believe?
William:
Rara. You are clearly exhausted. Just let me help you, it will make the whole process much faster.
Rara:
I don’t need faster, I need my way of doing things.
William:
Rara-
Rara:
My decision is final, Will.
William:
Why are you-
Rara:
If you’re bored, then you can go home.
William:
That isn’t-
Rara:
Unlike you, I take my job seriously, so please-
William:
Can you shut up for once!
The room falls deathly silent when the usually calm man snaps at her, standing straight to tower above her. Rara instinctively leans back, her chair rolling accordingly.
She stares at him, eyes wide.
Not with fear, never with fear.
With shock, amazement,
and her trademark curiosity.
Rara:
Go on.
William:
I-
I know that you have a certain way of doing things, but I also know that you tend to get stuck in your rigid routines that sometimes overcomplicate things. So please, let me help you see the hiccups in your plans.
Rara:
Hm. I suppose there is some truth there. Alright. Start lecturing me.
William:
Oh. That was, uh, easier than expected.
Rara:
I make good use of these big ears.
William:
Rara…
Rara:
Never mind that. You’re right. I’m just…a little touchy right now. Please, continue.
William:
Are you sure?
Rara:
I can take it, William. I’m strong.
William:
I know, honey bunny.
Rara:
No.
William:
Aw, I was proud of that one!
Rara:
Will, I don’t have all night.
William:
Right. First of all, you don’t need to have all the tests spread out across your desk.
Rara:
I do so to grade the tests based on the skill of the class.
William:
Then correct grammar mistakes first and take notes. You can determine the grades later.
Rara taps her chin, considering his words.
Rara:
I think I can work with that. Might even make a better system. Continue.
He picks up the paper that she’s currently grading.
William:
This handwriting is awful. No offence to the student it belongs to, of course. I’m already getting a headache and, unlike you, my eyes aren’t tired.
He gently pulls her head closer to his chest, placing a kiss on her forehead. He does so instinctively, his innate desire to sooth taking control.
William:
It’s all a blur for you. I know that I can’t convince you to leave all of this for tomorrow, so at least leave this one for tomorrow. Start with something easier. I hear Stella’s handwriting is pretty good.
Rara:
Yeah…
Thank you, William. And sorry. I know that I’m difficult, I know that I don’t appreciate you enough-
William:
Stop that. We take care of each other, that’s how we work.
Rara:
Right. Thank you.
William:
Anytime, beloved.
Rara:
No. No, that doesn’t work either.
William:
Dagnabbit!
Rara smirks at him as she stands up, her arms looping around his neck.
Rara (while laughing):
You’re adorable.
William cups her cheeks, softly smiling down at her.
William:
Says the bunny.
Rara:
Oh, shut up.
Before he can say anything else, she keeps his mouth shut with a kiss.
Written by a human in Ellipsus.