audrey (bidabble) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2017-02-25 15:19:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, audrey, merlin |
Who: Audrey and Merlin
When: Valentine’s Day
Where: Their home
What: Celebrating
Rating/Warnings: Low/None
Status: Part 1 complete
Audrey and Merlin didn’t get a lot of chances to be alone together now they had two babies. When those opportunities presented themselves, Audrey jumped at the chance. She loved her family, for sure, but she loved feeling like a wife again, instead of a mum.
So Valentine’s Day rolled around, and they had a sitter. Miraculously. Audrey made reservations at a nice restaurant for dinner, and the pair of them were having a relaxing, romantic night out.
Merlin loved being out just with Audrey, he adored his children but it was nice to get a break and spend time just the two of them together. Sometimes it felt like they didn’t get much of a chance to catch up with each other and once the kids started getting more involved in clubs and activities they’d have even less time.
“This was a stroke of luck” he said, “I can’t believe you found a sitter” and one that wasn’t going to bankrupt one but then he guessed there were a lot of young people around who weren’t in relationships or anything.
“I’ve got my magic ways,” Audrey teased. Actually, it was a high school girl that she had working part-time at the bakery. One of those Girl Scout types who went to church, played the clarinet in the band, and got a perfect, 1600 SAT score. Audrey also knew the girl’s parents, and completely trusted her with Ben and Bea for a couple of hours.
“I’m just glad we have a chance to hang out. Just the two of us. Something a little romantic, you know?” She reached forward to slipped her hand into his. “Are we going to make one of those don’t talk about the kids pacts for dinner?”
“I’m glad too, sometimes it seems we barely see each other” Merlin said, he wasn’t complaining they both cherished their kids and had wonderful lives but he knew Audrey would know what he meant. “I think we should, I want to know how things are going for you. The second bakery seems to be as busy as the first” he was very obviously very proud of her.
“It is.” Audrey loved the kids, but sometimes it was nice to be grown-ups for a while. And talking about work was a great place to start. “I’m really happy with the way things have been going. Once we’ve got the two strongholds, who knows? Maybe we’ll do a food truck next. Or open another storefront.”
Work was definitely a good place to start and Audrey’s was much more interesting than Merlin’s was. “You can do whatever you set your mind to and you know I’ll support you whatever you decide” Because her passion and belief was what kept people coming back and made both locations a success.
“I was thinking about applying for one of those baking programs. You know, the kind they have on Food Network? A challenge show. Like, Cupcake Wars, or whatever.” Audrey leaned back in her chair a little as the waitress brought them out some water.
“Oh!” Audrey said, a little sheepish. “I forgot to even look at what’s on the menu.”
“That is a great idea, you would rock something like that” Merlin said, in fact he could see Audrey hosting her own show. She had such a natural friendly way about her, he was sure somebody would see how good it would be.
“Me too, could we have a few more minutes? Sorry” he said, the British accent winning her over which never ceased to amuse Merlin.
The waitress seemed to like the British accent, and she gave them a nod and a smile. (Mostly to Merlin, though, which never ceased to amuse Audrey. He seemed to have no idea how handsome and charming he really was.) She turned to her own menu and started reading the titles of the dishes. “Something… hmm. Do you want to share something? Leave room for dessert?”
Merlin, who was indeed totally oblivious, looked at the menu too. “Mmm I think that’s a good idea” they both were a bigger fan of desserts than anything. “A pasta dish with salad?” he suggested.
“Absolutely. Maybe the one with Italian sausage?” Audrey suggested. The salad was a good idea, too. “Then we can have … maybe the chocolate cake?” She loved to try out cakes and other baked goods from places other than her own shop.
“Sounds perfect” he nodded, they were pretty good when it came to choosing food to share, yet another reason they were made for each other in his eyes. “With ice cream instead of cream?” he requested, if there was a choice Merlin would always go for the ice cream.
“Done deal.” Audrey said, closing her menu and smiling at her husband. She turned to flag down the waitress so they could order their food. “I’m loving this plan. It’s just a shame that it took Valentine’s Day for us to have the time alone together.”
“We were better with Ben when he was a baby, we’ve let date night slip lately” Merlin agreed, “We should work on that” Because it was nice to have this time just the two of them no matter how much they loved the kids.
“We’ll definitely work on that.” Audrey said, grinning over at him. “Because this is too much fun. I missed hanging out with you just the two of us.” She reached forward to take hold of his hand, just as the waitress came by to take their order.
“Me too” Merlin agreed squeezing her fingers, “I promise to make more of an effort” he added before they placed their order. They’d talked before about how important it was to make time for each other and they’d lost sight of it a little with Bea and everything but they’d get it back. They loved each other too much to lose sight of things for long.