Strawberry Pancakes

Author’s Note: After the intense ILB chapter 16 this week, I needed some Parker and Ivy fluff.  This a little glimpse into their happily ever after to satisfy your sweet tooth.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ivy’s eyelids flutter open, a songbird’s soft melody trilling from the tree outside awakening her from a dreamless slumber.  The sunlight tickles her face, it’s bright beams illuminating every particle floating throughout the air as her vision comes into focus.  It had been too long since she’d had such a blissful night’s sleep, her mind and body finally lapping it up eagerly, soothing away the aches that had plagued her until recently.

Stirring from her pillow, she rolls over, stretching her arms over her head and releasing a deep yawn before realizing she’s all alone in the room.  She turns her head to the bed beside her, finding it cold and empty. Only then does she hear the distant clank of dishes from the kitchen, signaling her companion has been up for some time now.  The realization brings a smile to her face, finding comfort in knowing very well that her Boy Scout tended to be an early riser.

Slipping from under the covers, the chill of the cool morning air nips her bare skin, causing goosebumps to form along her arms and legs.  She retrieves her panties from one of the discarded piles of her clothing strewn about the room, then starts rummaging through the dresser.  Pulling out one of Parker’s worn PSPD tees from the drawer, she slips it over her head, chuckling as it engulfs her small frame. She gives herself a quick glance in the mirror and tugs her chestnut curls into a knot atop her head before traipsing towards the kitchen.

The scene Ivy witnesses when she turns the corner into the small kitchen / living room area of Parker’s apartment makes her stop in her tracks, a wide grin spread across her face as she leans against the wall to observe him.  His back is to her at the sink, his arms busy at work scrubbing a cast-iron griddle. Despite the plates of food set aside and savory aroma wafting to her nostrils the kitchen is surprisingly tidy, the counters wiped clean and the mixing bowls and skillet already washed and dried waiting on the counter to be put away.  She should have known his Type A tendencies would translate into all aspects of his life, including military-grade cleanliness.

Parker finishes with the cookware, turning off the sink and drying it before placing it on the counter with the others.  He leans to grasp his mug of coffee, taking a hearty gulp as he turns, his eyes catching his first glimpse of her when he does so.  He releases the cup from his lips to reveal a big smile, his jade-colored eyes glistening with complacency. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Officer.”  She responds, making her way in his direction.  When she finally meets him, she tucks her arms around his waist, pressing a slow, sleepy kiss to his mouth as his hands cup the small of her back.  It still amazes her how right this feels, how comfortable she already is in his presence after such a short time. When she eventually pulls back, her mind a bit hazy from his lips, she tilts her head towards the piles of food setting on the counter.  “Seems like you’ve been busy.”

“Yeah …” Parker looks at his handiwork and grins sheepishly, running his fingers through his already disheveled hair.  “I wanted to surprise you. Seeing that it’s our first official morning together.” He finally looks back to meet her gaze, relieved to find her still smiling fondly at him.  He nods towards the small table in the corner, already set with two plates and silverware. “Here, sit.”

“I would love to …” Ivy’s voice drops to a whisper, as if she’s divulging her darkest secret.  “But I need some coffee first.”

“Right … I got it.”  Parker turns to pour her a steaming cup, calling over his shoulder.  “Do you take yours black or with cream and sugar?”

“Tall dark and strong please … just like my man.”  She gives him a playful wink, her heart fluttering as his cheeks flush a shade of light pink.  She would never tire of stunning this sweet man, of reminding him every day just how wonderful he really is.  Leaning up on her tip toes, she presses a single kiss to his cheek, whispering in his ear. “Thank you.” She smiles sweetly as she settles into her assigned seat, happy to find his blush fading into a satisfied grin.

Parker brings out several dishes of food, calling them out as he sets them on the table before her.  “So we’ve got eggs, we’ve got bacon, and …” he pauses for dramatic effect before setting the last platter down, his expression hopeful as he studies her reaction.

“Strawberry pancakes?”  Ivy’s eyes widen as she surveys the last dish, an emotional knot forming at the back of her throat.  She eventually glances up to him as he situates himself in the chair across from her. “But how did you …?  That’s what my mom used to make us.” Her look is a mix of awe and confusion as she tries to comprehend his thoughtful gesture.

“I know … I may have had a little help from Elliot.” Parker smiles softly, reaching his hand across the table towards her.  She places hers inside his broad palm and gives it a squeeze, her silent response making up for the words that won’t come. “I wanted to give you a little bit of them, something to remind you that while they’re gone they’re still never far away.  I’m hoping it helps Pine Springs feel a little more like home.”

Ivy wipes away the moisture accumulating in her eyes, her lips curling up at the corners.  “Thank you for this Parker. I don’t even know what to say …” her voice trails off, her mind swirling with a million thoughts, a million emotions that she was still trying to process.  So she said the one thing she did know for certain. “Honestly I haven’t felt at home in a long time … not until now.”

Parker didn’t say anything, just ran his thumbs across her knuckles, maintaining her stare with a knowing smile.  All the promises, all the hopes that remained unspoken passing between them without a single word. And it was enough … it was so much more than enough.

Finally breaking their reverie, Parker nodded towards the piles of food growing cold on the table.  “Well I hope you’re hungry.” Ivy watched contentedly as he dished out an enormous quantity of food onto her plate, nodding her appreciation before taking a big bite.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, eating and stealing the occasional smitten glance at each other.  “So …” Parker started, giving her the side-eye as he dished himself another helping of pancakes. “Now that you’re past fighting off zombie animals and your haunted relatives, what did you want to do today?”

She raises her eyes to his, giving him a satisfied look, a crooked smirk tugging at her lips.  “Whatever the hell we want.” And for the first time in a while, she felt that sense of freedom down to her bones.

END