strangetrip | My Arms Were Always Around You [For Scanlan]

Even though the whole date thing had been her idea, Pike was incredibly nervous now that the day had arrived.

She tried on every dress in her closet, twice, but nothing felt 'good for dancing' like Scanlan had instructed. Taking a leap of faith, she went down to the shop and to her immense surprise, there was a perfect, sexy blue dress that actually fit. But after three failed attempts to get the laces on the back right, she was forced to cast a Sending to Bo for help. Thank the gods her friend wasn't busy and agreed to help her sort out the finishing touches. Together they got her dress in place, make-up applied and hair arranged in tousled waves with only a little bit of panic from the gnome.

It wasn't until she was on her way to the garden that she realized what had her on edge. Unlike every other date she'd been on, she wasn't worried about doing something embarrassing or saying something wrong. She wasn't worried that he wouldn't like her or she'd have a bad time. No, she knew she was going to have a good time and that's what unnerved her most of all. She wasn't sure if she was ready to deal with what it would it mean if he finally convinced her to let down the few barriers that had kept her from letting him into her heart, but she wasn't going to shy away from it anymore.

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He smiled warmly at that, almost relieved a little bit. "That's good to know." It comforted him in a way he hadn't actually expected it too. "But I'm thankful that I showed up and have the time to spend with everyone here. Almost like I get the chance to make up for lost time."

Pike's eyebrow raised just slightly. They hadn't ever really talked about the kiss and she had expected him to take the opening to ask her about it or maybe make some sort of quip. Scanlan wasn't usually one to let her off the hook so easily.

But his smile pushed the thought from her mind. "Then let's get started," she took her fork in hand and tried a bite of the pasta. It was delicious, as she knew it would be, "Tell me, how have you been using all the extra time this place has given you?"

As they ate dinner, Scanlan told Pike about helping Hurley out both with learning drums, but with trying to date Xavin. How he was playing with Miguel, the talented human boy with a guitar. About his various writings. He asked her similar questions too and by the time they were finished with desert - something called 'milk shakes' - Scanlan was feeling pretty good about the date.

"If you're ready, I have something else I'd like to show you." He stood up and moved around the table, extending his hand to her.

Pike listened and didn't hide the smile that continued to grow as he spoke. Then told him about her friendship with Bo & Jag, reopening the bakery, working the clinic, training with Piotr, and the other little parts of her day. There were a few things she left out, just to make sure the mood stayed light throughout dinner.

When the time came, she happily took his hand and stood up. "Alright, lead the way."

He did a flourish movement that hand him holding up her hand in the air like royalty did at parties when they walked about. It was only for a moment as they exited the room and he winked at her, but he didn't want her arm getting tired so he lowered their hands.

He navigated them to a new room. There was a door and it was closed. "Alright, here you need to close your eyes and trust me."

Edited 2018-06-19 02:46 (UTC)

She laughed at the ridiculousness. Well, in truth, it was more of a giggle. With just the two of them around, there was no reason to stifle it.

As he lowered their hands, she pressed a quick kiss to his knuckles as they passed.

Trust. The word caught in her mind. While she still had doubts about whether to trust him with her heart, she could at least trust that he was going to try to impress her...not do something nefarious.

"Alright," she closed her eyes, "But don't make me regret it."

When Pike's eyes were closed, Scanlan waved a hand over her face for a moment. On discovery that she was, in face, not peeking, he took her by the hand and slowly led her toward the door. He opened it with his free hand and pulled her further in. The air seemed to get a little cooler somehow. Inside the room was an exactly replica of the temple they had to Sarenrae at their keep in Emon. Scanlan had taken a lot of time designing it.

"Okay... open your eyes."

Pike walked forward slowly and strained her ears for any hint of what was coming. But she hadn't needed to try so hard. Once upon a time, she had joked that she could recognize the temple at Grey Skull with her eyes shut. Apparently, that was still true.

"Oh Scanlan," she murmured, free hand coming to rest on her heart, "You remembered."

Everything from the stones under her feet, to the shine, to the garden in the corner with their traveling tree was perfect. She didn't even want to blink. "Thank you."

He beamed, feeling pretty proud of himself. Scanlan remembered the details because he had come down to visit her enough times that he could remember the small things. Even at the beginning, Pike had been more than just a playful quest.

"I know it's not exactly the same as having a real one, but until you get yours finished..."

"It's perfect," she breathed. Shaking herself from her revelry, she wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. "Even when the temple is finished, can I still come back here every now and then?"

"Of course." He hugged her back, taking in her scent and her warmth for a moment, eyes closed. "This is a permanent room, and you're always welcome here. Always, no matter what."

My Arms Were Always Around You [For Scanlan]

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