bakerstreet | (no subject)

(no subject)

RULES!
❧ Leave a comment with your character's name, fandom, and any preferences you have.
❧ When replying, RNG for a number between 1 and 15. The number corresponds to the scenario that you will play out in whatever way you want to.
❧ Go from there!

THE LIST!
01] baby
Suddenly, there's a new addition to your family! Are you expecting? Adopting? Struggling to find the perfect name for your child? Or maybe you're up at a ridiculous hour in the morning because they're crying like crazy.

02] just married
Congratulations! You and your loved (?) one are about to start a whole new life together! It's time for the honeymoon...

03] house hunting
Are you seeking out an apartment? A dream house? Or just any old place, as long as you're with your other? Make sure to weigh your options very carefully...

04] household chores
It's time to clean/cook/garden/take care of something! Do you work together, or does one of you hide until everything is done?

05] shopping
Whether it's for furniture, groceries, or something in between, shopping is something that everybody must do at some point in time! What varies is if they like it or not.

06] family vacation
WE'RE OFF TO DIDNEY WOOOOOOOOORL or wherever
... well, as long as the kids are happy, right...? You may not be happy (or maybe you are), but it's mainly about ~family bonding~.

07] romantic retreat
It's you and your loved one's anniversary, and you decide it's time to take some time off and take them somewhere nice, where you only have each other.

08] comfort
Is somebody sick in bed? Or perhaps they just had a bad day? Sometimes, a good breakfast in bed or a home-cooked meal can really lift the spirits! Or perhaps you want to try medicine, or laughter, or something else?

09] pet
Suddenly, you have another addition to the family! Is it a puppy? A kitty? A fierce dragon? Whatever it is, make sure to give it a name and to take good care of it!

10] holiday
Happy birthday/New Years/Christmas/Valentine's Day/whatever! It's a very special day that only comes once a year, so make it count!

11] argument
Oh, no, who left the stove on... Or maybe it's about why they were out late last night? Either way, there is a lot of tension today, and one of you may or may not be sleeping on the couch tonight.

12] making up
It's time to make amends for that fight/divorce/whatever you had before! After all, you love each other... right?

13] surprise, surprise
You are feeling rather loving tonight, so you want to remind the other person how much you cherish and appreciate them... if it's by something cute and adorable or hot and sexy is completely up to you.

14] proposal
~~SHUT UP THIS TOTALLY FITS~~ You've been with your other for what feels like forever, and finally you want to tie the knot with them. Will you go down on one knee before them, or get a little creative?

15] other
I know I'm forgetting like a bajillion and one different things here, so this is the option for that!

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"Is that an apology?" she asks, approaching the door and leaning against the doorframe. It's not supposed to be antagonistic, but - well. The reactions are obvious. And then, just for the hell of it, she goes along with it. "Because I'm aware my actions were uncalled for, as well."

But then, she's already apologized. Twice.

"Yes," he replies, giving her a quite somber nod. "I'm apologizing. I was wrong, and I'm sorry."

Pause.

"I'm just very meticulous, is all."

Belle tries not to smile too obviously, so she bites her lip to keep it under control. Because honestly? That was exactly why she did it. But the earnestness of it makes her step inside to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"You did have me worried."

Dale tries stepping back when she moves forward, but she's too quick, and the kiss lands square on his cheek. He's probably blushing. It's still early in the morning for this.

"I've learned it's better to think about what you're going to say before you say it in times of stress. Sorry."

She nods, listening, and the smile switches into a frown. "Stress?" Belle asks, regarding him warily. "Is there something else bothering you?"

Watch it, Dale, you're about fifteen seconds away from the whole communication-is-key-why-won't-you-just-talk-to-me about it speech. If he hasn't gotten it already.

"Something else?" he repeats, eyebrows raising. Then he shakes his head. "Oh no - there's nothing else. It's just - that."

Talk about being zen.

Belle just stares at him, eyes narrowing as her face very distinctly reads, 'are you sure?' for a moment long enough for him to get the message. And then - okay. Awkward. Because the subject was dropped, but. She nods, decisively, and doesn't look at him because she will have to roll her eyes at him. "Right."

"I'm being one-hundred-percent serious," he replies, finally showing some sort of emotion. He flashes her a smile. A genuine one.

"Now what did you say about untainted coffee? I still didn't have a cup."

Okay, good. Now that that's over, she's quick to return the smile, and she nods.

"You were listening," she says, feigning an impressed tone. "I said that there's plenty left. And I can get you some, if you'd like."

"I always listen. Even if you don't think I do."

He disappears into the room to grab his suit jacket from its appropriate hanger. Folding it over his arm, he meets her at the door again, gesturing for her to walk first. "That sounds perfect, actually."

That little comment just earns him a laugh - a somewhat flustered one, and a shake of her head as she scoots out the door. Once back in the kitchen, she's quick to retrieve a new cup for him and goes about the incredibly simple task of pouring another cup of coffee. All in plain sight. Purposefully. To show that there are no added substances.

"As promised," she says, handing it to him.

He hears the laugh - it's hard not to. And he just shakes his head. Nope.

He makes it his business to watch her pour the coffee. It still doesn't mean she hasn't tainted it. He's been out of the room without her for a few moments.

But he's going to trust her. One more betrayal? And it's over. Just saying.

He eyes the mug skeptically. Then he takes it from her, raising it to his lips. And then he pauses for a moment before taking a sip.

Does he see a bowl of sugar anywhere in the vicinity? Any stray grains gracing the countertop? No? That's because there aren't any. He has detective skills; Belle wonders why he doesn't put them to use.

She just hoists herself up onto the counter, legs kicking idly as she sits and waits. It's too early for this complicated nonsense.

He watches her and her body language. Everything looks good so far. Then he finally takes a sip.

And waits.

And thinks.

And -

"Mighty fine," he comments, looking rather pleased. Then he's taking another sip. "No sugar indicated. Good job."

"You're welcome," she says, but the smirk on her face reads more 'I told you so.'

But still, she is relieved, despite the fact that there wasn't much of a real problem in the first place. Petty arguments aren't even the entertaining kind.

Dale opts to finish his coffee standing. He figures it's the way to go, since Belle's made herself comfortable on the kitchen counter.

"Hopefully I won't be too late getting in tonight," he finally says, clearing his throat. "Feel free to start dinner without me - just in case. I'll be sure to call."

"I hope so, too," she says, expression settling into a rather contented smile. And then - oh, right. Dinner has to happen. Belle makes a quick mental note to do something easy; there's probably been enough unexpected adventure this morning. Unfortunately.

"I'll miss you." And it doesn't matter if he thinks it's too early for it, because he's getting another kiss on his cheek and there's literally nothing he can do about it.

"I'll miss you too," he replies, one-upping her with a kiss on the lips. He moves past her to wash out the empty mug in the sink. "If anything exciting happens while I'm gone - you know the drill."

"Of course." Not that she's ever felt the need to put that stated drill into action. She almost wishes that weren't the case. But she hops off of the counter, ready to walk him to the door, smoothing down her skirt as her feet hit the floor.

"You should take me with you one day. I'll dress the part and everything."

Just as she smooths her skirt down, he loops his arm around her waist, walking with her from the kitchen. Dale gives her a quick squeeze, chuckling. "You could come to work with me if you'd like. Just have to get the clearance from Gordon. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Because clearly national security isn't an issue in this universe.

All anyone is saying is if that David Bowie can just wander in, there is no reason that Belle can't shadow an agent for a day, okay. None. Zero reasons.

"I would," she says decisively, resting her head on his shoulder briefly before peering up at him. Really, she hadn't expected it to be quite that easy, but hey, she's not going to complain. "As long as you don't think I'd be too much of a distraction."

But David Bowie was never actually there… Shhhh.

"Oh, you'd be a distraction. It's nearly impossible for me to focus with a gorgeous girl like you around. But - y'know - I also know how to keep a certain level of professionalism."

Goblin kings do what they want and show up on whatever cameras they wish.

"I certainly hope so," she replies, looking pointedly at him - but the compliment earns him a grin and a kiss that lands on the corner of his mouth before, "Go on. Don't be late."

"I won't." He returns the kiss - this time aiming for her mouth and getting a full two points.

"Until later."

And another quick one pressed to his lips because, dammit, they have to be even, and she's practically shoving him toward the door, laughing. "Until later. Go."

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