Chapter Text
The square opened up before us, bustling with visitors. The Roman Baths rose in honey-colored stone, their arched windows glowing warm in the sun. Tourists milled everywhere, cameras flashing in front of the landmarks, voices echoing against the old stone. For a while, we blended in easily. He kept his arm looped casually around my waist, his head tilted close as if whispering some private joke just for me.
But then it happened. Near the Pump Room, as we admired the grand façade, I noticed two women across the square whispering and glancing our way. One of them squinted, eyes wide, clearly trying to place his face.
“Excuse me—” she started, stepping closer with hesitant excitement. “Sorry, but… aren’t you—?”
Rupert froze for half a second. Then, with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he shook his head. “I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” His hand tightened firmly around mine, steering me smoothly back into the flow of the crowd before the woman could press further.
We didn’t slow down until the chatter of other tourists swallowed us again. He let out a low sigh, half amused, half weary.
“See? This is why I wear the bloody hat and sunglasses.”
I tried—and failed—to stifle a laugh. “Well, for what it’s worth… I think you look handsome either way.”
He shot me a sidelong look, softer now, his mouth twitching into the beginnings of that dimpled smile. “Dangerous thing to say. Makes me want to kiss you right here in front of everyone.”
My heart fluttered. “Then do it,” I whispered, teasing, though my cheeks burned.
He didn’t hesitate this time. His hand slid to the small of my back, drawing me in until the world seemed to dissolve around us. His lips brushed mine once, tentative, then deepened for a moment—warm, certain, the kind of kiss that lingered even after he pulled away.
When he finally broke it, he nuzzled his nose against mine, pressing gently, a soft longing in that touch.
“Better?” His breath was still uneven.
I grinned, dazed, and gave his hand a squeeze. “Much.”
He chuckled under his breath, tugging me along the square again, the two of us moving like mischievous teenagers with a secret too sweet to share.