The color of the rose was reflected on Raine's cheeks as she blushed deeply. Her eyes focused on Xavier's sapphire ones as she reached out, accepting the rose in her delicate fingers. "Thank you." Raine said slyly.
A smirk appeared on Xavier's face as he caught Raine staring at him with her blushed cheeks. "Umm....can I come in?" Xavier said with amusement. "I mean this hallway is pretty entertaining too I guess. But I don't think it's as entertaining as you." He smiled, innocently.
"Shoot! Sorry! Come on in!" Raine said, moving out of the doorway in haste.
Xavier chuckled as he stepped into the house. He rubbed his hands together, shaking off the winter's chilled air. The room was warm and cozy and Xavier noticed the fire burning in the fireplace.
"It smells divine in here." Xavier noted as inhaled the smells that were looming in the room.
Raine smiled. "Thanks. I hope it's as good as your creations." She said playfully. "I mean, it's pretty hard  to beat those chef skills you've got!"
"Oh please. I'm not nearly as good as you think I am."
"Well I'm no better. I don't even remember the last time I cooked for anyone." Raine said. Although she meant it to be playful, she couldn't hide the hint of pain within her words.
"Well, I'll be happy to be your first in a while, like you were mine." Xavier said, noticing a sad emotion pass through her hazel orbs. He took one of her hands into his own, lifting it up and landed his soft lips onto her knuckles, kissing them gently like a true gentlemen.
Raines heartbeat increased as Xavier's touch created havoc in her body. "G-great....Umm....make yourself at home." Raine said awkwardly as Xavier released her hand. She looked around the room and avoiding his gaze.
Xavier glanced around the living room as he shrugged his leather jacket off, hanging it behind one of the chairs. "I've got to admit, this place is better than your other apartment."
"Yeah, I guess you can say." She said with a sigh.
Xavier's smile vanished and a serious expression appeared on his face. "Do you like it here? Are you comfortable? I can still arrange something for you if you'd like." He spoke, his voice filled with concern.
Her smile was back as she shook her head. "I'm fine Xavier. Really."
He stared at her, searching for the truth within her eyes. Once he was positive that she truly meant the words she had said, he nodded. Raine smiled, relieved that he didn't push the matters. Just when she was about to say something, she heard a soft sizzling sound coming from the kitchen. Quickly she rushed to the stove top, turning the burners off.
"Saved it!" She muttered when she saw the vegetables caramelized to perfection instead of burnt.
"So what's on the menu for tonight Miss. Woods?" Xavier asked as he leaned on the kitchen counter, watching Raine stirring the stew.
"Look's like you'll have to wait just about five minutes to find out Mr. Thorn." Raine said as she opened one of the cabinets to grab some bowls. The bowls were placed on the top self of the upper cabinets, leaving Raine struggling at the bottom.
Xavier watched with amusement as Raine reached out, stretching herself as much as she possibly could to reach to top shelves. But to her misfortune, she didn't have Mr. Elastic's stretchable powers. Meanwhile, Xavier made his way behind her, smirking as she tried her best to get a hold of the bowls.
"Need some help?"
Xavier's voice startled Raine, causing her to bump her head on the cabinet door that was sticking out.
"Oww!" Raine groaned as she rubbed her head.
"Are you ok?" Xavier asked, his voice bathed in concern. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." Xavier said as he took a hold of her hands that were rubbed her head and encased them in his own. He searched her head for any signs of severe injuries or blood, calming down when he didn't find either.
"I'm fine Xav. It's just a scratch." Raine said, a blush playing on her cheeks due to the closeness of the two. Raine was sandwiched in the corner between the marble counter tops and Xavier's tall frame, as he leaned in and rubbed her head.
"Just a scratch?" Xavier siad, shaking his head. "Let's hope that doesn't bruise tomorrow morning."
A laugh escaped Raine's lips as she watched Xavier continue to rub and blow air on the top of her head. Even though there was a slight throbbing sensation before, all the pain disappeared when Raine felt his cool, minty air blowing on her injury.
"Let's get you out of here." Xavier said as he placed a hand on her back, attempting to guide her out of the kitchen.
"Not so fast Mr. Iron Chef." Raine said, shrugging Xavier's hands off. "I'm still finishing the plating."
"Allow me." Xavier stated, looking at the different dishes that were scattered over the counter top.
"No way Mister." Raine said. "Go sit on the table, I'll bring dinner out soon."
"At least allow me to help you with those bowls?" Xavier asked, amused.
"Sure," she said, shyly. "Short girl problems, you know?" Moving out of the way and allowing Xavier to grab the bowls.
"Can't relate to that one." Xavier chuckled, placing the bowls and plates on the counter.
"I'll meet you at the table?" Raine asked, gesturing Xavier to sit down while she prepared the plates. He nodded at her and left for the dinning room which was just besides the kitchen.
* * *
"Dinner is served!" Raine said, placing a variety of different bowls and platters on the table. Xavier smiled eyeing the different dishes the topped the once empty table.
He looked up at Raine, who was staring at the food with pride, almost as if she was uncertain that she would be able to pull it off. "And what have you prepared for me today?"
"Today I've go for you, a hearty vegetable stew, along with some lemon and garlic roasted chicken with a side of sautéed mushrooms!" She cheered proudly.
"Mummmm...Can't wait to dig in!"
"Well, there's no one stopping you." Raine laughed, watching Xavier eye the food with hunger.
And with that, Xavier dived himself into the stunning plate that Raine had so lovingly prepared for him. A smile appeared on his face as he dipped the french bread into the stew and popped it in his mouth, his eyes closed, savoring the taste.
Raine gave herself a pat on the back once she watched Xavier's reaction, proud of her accomplishments and delighted that she didn't manage burning down Mike's house.
"That was amazing." Xavier said to Raine as he took the last bite of the roasted chicken which was overflowing with upmost flavors. "Look's like you've found yourself a regular customer."
"You already are regular customer." Raine laughed.
"I haven't eaten like that in years!" Xavier said, pushing his seat back."I'm stuffed!"
"Well you better have room for desert!" Raine warned.
"Of course!" Xavier said with a boyish grin on his face. "One can never be too full for dessert."
Raine laughed out loud, surprised by Xavier's unexpected reply. "Who knew Mr. CEO had such a sweet tooth?" She said."I guess those who drink black coffee aren't bitter after all."
Xavier chuckled at Raine, his eyes shining when he noticed Raine's carefree behavior. He hadn't had anyone treat him so normally before. Every person he had come across in his life had put him up on a pedestal, but Raine was different. She never saw him as the ruthless billionaire the world treated him as. She saw him as an ordinary guys and he loved that. She made him feel normal.
She made him feel happy.
"Well, the sweets you've been treating me to are changing me. I think I lost my bitter coffee obsession." Xavier said, still admiring Raine's smile.
"Well then I've done my job right!" Raine said proudly. She stood up, reaching for the empty plates. "I'll just go clean up and then we can sit talk."
Before Raine could lift Xavier's dirty plate, Xavier's hand stopped her. "We can do that later too." He suggested, not wanting to lose that spark they had created throughout the dinner, to some dirty dishes.
"I can." She corrected. "And yeah, I guess I'll do them later."
Xavier stood up, his hand still wrapped around Raine's, pulling her to the couch. They both sat down next to each other, their hands still in each other's. Xavier's eyes trailed on Raine's cocoa colored ones while Raine sat there, mesmerized by his pristine blue ones. There was always something swimming in his eyes that left Raine with millions of unasked questions. The way his eyes would darken, turning cobalt blue while he spoke with her or the way they'd brighten up like a clear sunny day when he was happy.
Raine recalled the first time she had met Xavier. His eyes seemed so cold back then. Never had she envisioned those icy eyes to bring so much warmth to her heart. It was as if her influence in his life had painted a new sea in those orbs. A sea of bright, vivid colors that reflected his emotions instead of masking them.
"Hi." Xavier said, breaking the silence between them. Although they were safe and sound within the four walls of Mike's apartment, they seemed to always get lost in another world while they were together.
"Hi." Raine said, diverting her attention from the pools of blue, while allowing her cheeks to be painted pink from her blush.
"You're blushing." Xavier whispered, his voice velvety and warm.
His words made Raine's blush deepen. She turned her face away from him, causing Xavier to smile at her nervousness which he always found cute.
"I'll go get desert!" Raine said, shooting up from her seat and scurrying back into the kitchen. Xavier let out a soft laugh, proud of the effect he had on her. His thoughts went back to her eyes, which were like two drops of coffee in a pool of pure milk. Ever since he'd seen them, he couldn't unsee them. He saw them everywhere he looked. He thought about them everywhere he went. And even in his sleep, he dreamt about them.
Xavier's thoughts were broken when Raine entered the room with two small dishes in her hand. "Dessert is served!" She said proudly, pushing one of the plates in front of Xavier. "A tropical favorite! Passion fruit cupcakes!" AÂ wide grin on her face.
Xavier's eyes shot up as he looked at Raine, impressed. "Passion fruit huh?" He said with a smirk on his face. "Looks like someone was very passionate about this dinner." He added, winking at the end.
Raine's eyes widened in embarrassment as she realized what Xavier was implying. "I happen to be very passionate about passion fruits!" She defended, trying hard not to let Xavier's words turn her any more pink then she already was.
"If you say so." He said smirking. "On a serious note, this looks like it should be placed in an art museum and treasured for the rest of mankind." Xavier said, eyeing the small yet gorgeous cupcake that sat in the middle of the platter. It was the perfect golden brown with it's frosting applied in an ombre pattern, ranging from yellow to orange. And if it's looks weren't enough, the fruity and vibrant scent of the cupcake, had one's mouth watering within seconds.
"Not a bad proposition." Raine said playfully."But that would mean we couldn't eat it."
"Point accepted." Xavier nodding in agreement. "Look's like our stomachs is where the cupcake is going to end up, after all."
* * *
Raine had just finished squeezing the last piece of the fruity cupcake into her mouth. Xavier had finished long along and his praise for her cooking style was never ending.
Xavier looked up at Raine to find her devouring the last bit of cake left. His eyes scanned her face, memorizing each of the smaller details that added up in perfection. He froze when he notices a bit of the orange froating on the tip of her nose. His stared at her, his hands inching to reach up and wipe it off.
"Um...you've go something." He said, pointing to her nose.
Raine scrunched her nose, as she rubbed her fingers on it, attempting to wipe it off. "Here?" Raine said. "Is it gone?"
"No, right there." Xavier pointed.
"Wait, let me just...." Raine said, getting off the couch.
Before Raine could get up, Xavier leaned forward, his face centimeters away from her. Raine could feel his warm breath fanning over her face as he lifted his hand, wiping off the frosting that was on her nose. "There you go." He whispered, sitting back again.
"Th-thanks." Raine said, still flushed. "Um...I'll go put these plate back." Grabbing the empty plates, Raine stood up leaving the kitchen.
A loud ringing noise resounded through the apartment as Xavier's phone rang. He rushed to reach it, frowning when he saw the caller ID.
"Hello?.....Yeah.....That's your problem, not mine.....I can't....Oh yeah? Well try me!.....Set up a meeting with my assistant...I'm officially off office hours...I'll pass that by the shareholders tomorrow....ok....great, bye."
"Who was it?" Raine said, startling Xavier. The phone slipped out of his hand, dropping onto the floor.
"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" Raine said, her eyes wide and her mouth covered.
"That's alright Raine." Xavier said, attempting to calm her down. "It wasn't anyone important anyways."
Xavier was reaching on to grab his phone, when his elbow collided with the boxes that was stacked on the table. One of the boxes toppled off, falling to the ground, its contents exploding on the floor. Photographs scattered all over the place, covering the ground, before Xavier could even make an attempt to catch it.
As soon and Raine's eyes fell on the contents of the box, which were now spread out over the floor, her eyes widened. Within a mere second, Raine launched out of her seat and rushed to the ground.
"I'm so sorry!" Xavier said, bending down as he helped her gather the pictures together. "I didn't mean too."
"It's ok. Don't worry about it." Raine said hastily as she finished picking up all the pictures.
Xavier was about to stand up when he noticed a photograph that had slipped underneath one of the chairs. He got up and crouched down, picking up the picture. He was about to pass it to Raine when something in the photograph caught his eye.
It was of a child, a girl in fact. She was only about five years old. Adorned in a cute pink princess dress, there was wide smile spread across her face. But what caused Xavier's breath to hitch was her eyes. They held this magical glow within them. The same glow that was always present in Raine's eyes.
Before Xavier could look up and question Raine, Raine swiped the photograph from Xavier's hands, tucking it back into the box and storing it away.
Confused, Xavier stood up, staring at Raine as she mumbled a quiet 'thank you' and walked into her room with the box in her hands.
Raine came back, not too long after and found Xavier standing in the same position that she had left him in. Her heart started beating faster than ever when she realized that he wasn't just looking at her anymore, he was trying to find the answers to all of those unasked questions.
"I'm really sorry about that Raine." Xavier spoke, his voice holding not only guilt but also a hint of curiosity due to her reactions.
Raine easily masked her emotions by putting up a bright smile on her face, though Xavier could see right past it. "It's ok Xav." She said. "Come, let's sit?"
Xavier nodded, following her to the sofa. They both sat down in silence, unaware of what to say.
"Was that you?" Xavier finally asked, breaking the silence between them.
"Sorry?" Raine asked confused.
"In the photo? Was that you?" He asked, his voice soft and gentle.
Raine looked down at her the silver ring on her finger, twirling around. "Yeah. um...I was only five."
"You're very cute." Xavier
"Was." Raine interjected.
"Are." Xavier stated sternly.
Her eyes shot up to Xavier's, as her heart thumped against the walls of her chest. Xavier smirked, enjoying the effect he had on her and turned back to the TV screen.
"Shall we try what they call Netflix & chill?" Xavier said, breaking the silence that was looming in the room.
Raine laughed, perking up a bit. "I don't have Internet on my TV. But I do have an old DVD player. What do you say to some old fashioned entertainment?" The brightness of her eyes, slowly returning.
"Sure. Why not?"
Raine stopped for a minute, thinking of something to put on. "How does Up sound?"
"Up?" Xavier said, confusion evident in his voice.
"You've never seen Up?!" Raine responded, shock covering each of her words.
"I don't think I have." Xavier replied once he pondered some more.
Raine looked at Xavier in disbelief. "You're joking right?"
"I am most certainly serious."
"We cannot be friends if you haven't watched Up!" Raine said, her energy levels peaking at the all time high for that day.
Uneasiness settled in Xavier as he looked at Raine in shock. Although he was happy she was ecstatic, her words caused havoc in his heart. But everything was diminished when an idea popped up in his head."Well if that's the case, why not watch it right now?"
"Sounds like a plan!" Raine said cheerfully.
"Does this mean we're still friends?" Xavier said with an nervous voice, almost sounding vulnerable.
Raine smiled at Xavier. Never had she thought that the man the media calls coldhearted and ruthless, would worry so much about being friends with Raine. "Of course we still are!"
The nervousness on his face was replaced by a bright smile. Raine instructed Xavier on using the DVD player and before they knew it, the movie began.
Xavier stared at Raine as she watched the movie, giving it her full attention. His blue eyes concentrating on the way she would smile watching Carl and Ellie grow old together or when a tear would escape her eye, seeing Carl stare at Ellie's reflection in the window. Although Raine had insisted him to watch this movie, how could he, when he was too busy watching her.
Occasionally he would divert his attention back to the TV screen but Raine's giggles always made him look back at her. She was like an addiction. And in no means a bad one.
As the movie was coming to an end, Xavier felt Raine slowly leaning in, landing her head on his shoulder. A yawn escaped her lips as she rested on his shoulder, Xavier not moving a muscle, afraid to disturb her.
The both sat together, watching Carl and Russel's adventure unfold. After a couple of moments, Xavier's arm flew back as he wrapped it around Raine's shoulder, holding her in position. Raine looked up at Xavier for a brief moment, a smile on her face as she saw him focused on the movie. She turned back and snuggled further into his side, both of them wrapped together in each other's embrace.
______________________
Question of the day: What's your favorite Disney/Pixar movie?
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Breathe