"The baby kicked."
"What? I wish I was there to see that." He glanced at her stomach but did not attempt to touch her, not that he could with the tray in front of her.
"There's always going to be next ti," she grinned at him. "Should you be here? Aren't you busy?" Mauve questioned.
"I am never too busy for you." He lay on his back with his arms under his head. His legs still dangled off the bed, and he made eye contact with her as he spoke.
"Jael," she cried, a bit annoyed that she couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face.
"We don't have any training or hunting today, so don't think you're interrupting anything," Jael said.
Mauve smiled and wanted to ask more questions but decided against it. She wondered if this was why he was in such a good mood but didn't press further. Mauve had a vague idea of how the hunts went recently. So days they were successful, other days they were not.
There were also speculations that Palers were currently staying hidden, but Mauve wasn't sure about that, as Jael was determined to keep any upsetting details from her. She hated this part of him, but she couldn't fault him—this wasn't exactly sothing she could help with. She finished the rest of her al in silence.
There was sothing that was kind of good news. Though Mauve was still very displeased that Louis had canceled on her, joining the Palers' team was actually a good plan. Recently, it looked like Louis and Jael's relationship was improving.
"What?" he suddenly said, pulling her from her thoughts.
Mauve was confused. "What?" She picked up the cup to drink water.
"You're looking at and smiling," Jael said. "Or is it that I look particularly handso tonight?"
Mauve almost spat her water right into his face. Thankfully, it only spilled out the side of her lips. "What are you talking about?"
"I know you don't like to admit it," he grinned. He truly was in a good mood.
Mauve gestured to the maid to take away her empty dishes. The maid picked them up and bowed before leaving. As soon as the door closed, Jael scooted closer. His eyes t hers briefly before his attention focused on her stomach.
"You sure you don't want more food?" Jael asked before bringing his head down.
Mauve didn't realize what she was doing until she smacked the back of his head. "You always ask that."
"Yes, I want to make sure you both are well-fed."
"We are. All I do recently is eat and sleep." Mauve forced down the yawn she could feel creeping up her throat. Eating always made her drowsy.
"As you should," he grinned.
Mauve shot him a look. "I don't like that idea."
"You never like anything I suggest," Jael said.
Mauve frowned. "That's not true."
He lifted his head, a twinge of a smile on his lips. "I know," he said and pressed his lips against hers. He pulled away, but not too far—he could still feel her breath against him.
"Did you say that to distract from getting angry?" Mauve asked, annoyed by how breathless she sounded. It wasn't even an actual kiss.
"Maybe." He lifted his eyes, and Mauve found that she couldn't et his gaze, not when he was this close. He kissed the top of her head and pulled away. "Have you thought of nas?" he suddenly blurted.
Mauve jerked her head, excitent clear in her eyes, then looked away without saying anything, and Jael laughed. "I'll take that to an yes."
"Don't you think it's too early?" she asked. "I shouldn't be thinking about nas."
"But you have," he grinned.
"Yes, I can't help it."
Jael frowned and folded his arms. Mauve imdiately grew worried. "Do you not approve?"
"I do not," he paused dramatically, "approve of you not telling ." He smiled.
Mauve sighed. "You don't think it's too early?" She asked.
"Of course, it's not. You're almost halfway through the pregnancy. It's not too early to think of nas. I want to hear them," he said, pulling her into his arms. "I'm sure I'd like anything you choose."
"Well," she replied, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. There was a chance this wouldn't be the child's na, but it felt very heavy. It was an important role, deciding what their na would be for the rest of their lives. Mauve didn't want to ss it up.
Jael laughed. "You shouldn't think too much. I'm sure you've decided on great nas."
Mauve groaned and hid her face in his chest. Jael laughed and wrapped his arms around her, being mindful of her stomach. "Tell , Mauve," he whispered.
"I was thinking," she started. "If they're a girl, we could na her Victoria, after your mother."
Jael froze, and Mauve bit her lip, wondering if she had said sothing wrong. She lifted her head from his chest to look at his face. "Do you not like it?"
Jael's expression was unreadable. Mauve found herself holding her breath as she waited for his reply. It wasn't sothing she just decided on—she had actually thought hard about it, and the more she thought about it, the more she liked it. She hoped Jael felt the sa way, but his reaction was making her a little scared.
"Far from it," he whispered. The corners of his eyes softened, and Mauve felt relief spread across her chest. "I love it."
He dipped his head while his hand cradled the back of her head. It was a gentle kiss at first, and Mauve felt herself opening up to Jael. He slowly pried her lips open and entwined their tongues. Mauve could feel warmth spreading to all parts of her body. She lifted her hand to his head, but as soon as she touched him, Jael broke the kiss.
"It's a wonderful na," he said.
Mauve blinked as her eyes tried to focus. She had completely forgotten what they were talking about, but the abrupt end wasn't a surprise. They hadn't done anything more in months at this point.
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