Chapter 39 ━━  Marry Me?

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Recovering is the hardest part after the incident of Red King for Hedeon Nikita Dreykov. It takes him months to completely heal both physically and mentally. 

For the first time of his life, things are getting better and flowing smoothly. He is surrounded by people who love him unconditionally. And he has her by his side. 

Yelena never left his side after the incident, taking care of him as if she's paying off her childhood debt to him. The two of them are now at Barton residence, in Hedeon's room, just laying on the bed making small talks. 

"If I know what love is, it is because of you. So... Boss. What are your orders? I can satisfy your desires." Hedeon grins cheekily, laying back on with his one arm wrapped around her body and the other hand when he runs his fingers over her blonde hair. "I know I'm corny." 

Yelena smiles into his chest, playing with the hem of his shirt. "Do you finally admit it?" 

"I'm just joking." He gives an elegant shrug but his expressions turn into a grim once he realises how silly he sounded. "Am I really corny?" 

"Yes, you are." She flickers a piece of curly blonde hair behind her ear as she stares at his fully shaved face which has taken ten years off his face. 

Feeling eyes on him, he turns to meet Yelena, watching him with an unusual expression all over her face. "What?" 

"I'm trying to read your mind." 

"Go on. Read my mind." 

"Spare the dirty jokes." 

"Dammit, woman, you read my mind." 

"It's my special magical power. I can read your mind when you're thinking dirty thoughts." Yelena wraps her arm around his waist before pulling him closer and placing a kiss on his forehead. "Marry me?" 

"Wait. I am the guy here." Hedeon whines like a child. "I was planning to propose you again with a surprise when we're on common terms." 

"Well, you still can. I swear I'll act surprised." Yelena admits with a grin. "What about your job?" 

"I'm quitting. You know, a totally hot girl asks me to quit and spend the rest of my life with her. Like I'm gonna say no." He winks at her.

She bats her eyelashes as she uses her sarcastic tone. "So throw me under the bus, just like that, Heh-Dey-Aan?" 

He chuckles and squeezes her to him. "Yeah. Throw, push, shove..."

With a playful smirk, Yelena lifts herself to hover over him, resting her arms beside the man whilst he unconsciously wraps his arms around her waist to keep her steady. "And what if I decide to drag you down with me?" 

"I'd just yell for help." He smugly replies. 

"What if I did this?" She pecks on his lips. 

"I'd scream for help." His fingers gently run up and down her spine, coaxing shivers out of the blonde. With her cheeks still blushing hotly, she glances back up into his whiskey brown eyes. 

"And if I did this?" Her lips are firm against him, sparks flying in every direction, but the kiss remains soft, gentle, and slow. The world is slowly disappearing around them. Nothing else matters to him at the moment but her. His body flushes with heat. The heat travels through his veins, warming him just as he feels a rush of euphoric bliss envelop him, making his heart sing with pure joy. They hold it for a few seconds, before she draws away. He instantly misses the lovely heat curling within him. 

"I'd beg for mercy." He mumbles and she stifles a surprised gasp as he flips over, so he is now on top of her. He leans down, resting his forehead against hers. She watches breathlessly as his eyes study hers with silent intensity. His warm breath ghosts across her face. "God, you're hot." 

Yelena shuts her eyes in anticipation as he presses his hand against her cheek, and connects their lips again which begins to move in perfect sync, slowly, cautiously. She exhales through her nose, not wanting to let go. Her entire body is taken over by the overwhelming feeling of relief, combined with eccentric panic, and lust. She moves her hand from his shoulder to the back of her head, my fingers tangling in his short, dark hair, lightly pulling him into her to empty the non existing space between them, adding more pressure to their lips, deepening the kiss. When they break apart for air, she rests her chin on his chest, sinking into his hold. "I have to help Melina and Verity to cook dinner before Clint and Alina will be back with the kids." 

"But I don't want to share you with others." He pouts. 

"Don't be selfish." She pokes his cheek. "I can make it up for you. All night." 

"Mmm. I like that." He smirks and she places a kiss on his neck. 

When they walk together into the kitchen, Yelena smiles as Hedeon tries to steal food from the table, only to be scolded and have his hand slapped by Melina. 

Just when Hedeon pours himself a glass of water, Alexei walks in with a dog trailing behind him. 

"Aww... my baby. I missed you." Yelena coos the dog as it waves its tail in excitement at the presence of its owner. 

"What's her name?" The former supersoldier asks, taking a sip of water before placing the empty glass on the table. 

"It's a him and his name is Nikita." Yelena states. 

Hedeon's mouth drops open and he is left flabbergasted. "You named your dog after me?" 

"Don't blame me. I thought you were dead and he kind of reminded me of you. Besides, I love your name." She explains and he sarcastically puts his thumbs up to her. 

"At least it wasn't a pig." Alexei remarks.

"Yeah. I feel relieved already." Hedeon replies, sighing heavily and rolling his eyes as if it is a normal everyday situation. 

"Women. They show love in various ways." Alexei says as the former Destroyer watches the blonde feeding some treats to the dog. "Sometimes it's crazier than what we expect. It's our job to embrace it with open hands or you'll lose her forever." 

"She was never this crazy before. But it's kinda turning me on." Hedeon mumbles under his breath before he pauses for an exact second as he turns to the older man. "Wait. Why the hell am I talking about this with you?" 

"Uncle B!" A beaming Nathaniel runs into the former supersoldier, immediately pulling him into a tight embrace. "You're back!!" 

"Nate! Please be careful. He's fragile now." Clint says to his youngest who is clinging to his brother like a leech.

"Stop talking shit about me, old man!" Hedeon glares at him before smiling softly at the child and wrapping his arms around the small body where Alina joins the hug with a smile on her face. 

After dinner, Yelana is giving a hand to Verity to do the dishes when she turns around at the sound of footsteps coming into the kitchen. 

Hedeon walks in and gives her his regular big smile. He comes up behind her and places a sweet kiss on her shoulder. "Take a walk with me?" 

"Give me a moment to finish this-" She says when Verity pulls out the plate from the blonde with a smile. 

"I've got this." 

"Are you sure?" The blonde asks with uncertainty. 

"Totally." Verity nods with confirmation and winks at her. "Have fun." 

Not understanding the meaning underlying her words, Yelena shakes her head with a smile before linking hands with the former Destroyer. 

Once they exit the house, Yelena is the first to speak. "Don't tell me you want to make love to me against a tree." 

An amused smile appears on Hedeon's face. "I can arrange that if you're up to that." 

"Are you serious?" Yelena looks at her with wide eyes which the former supersoldier shrugs in response. "Now that I think about it, I kind of like the sound of it. Maybe when there's no one around." 

Hedeon chuckles. "I'll keep that in mind." 

They walk down the path silently as the cold breeze of the night hits on the blonde making her shiver. Being the perfect gentleman, Hedeon offers his jacket to her before they come to a stop, looking at the dark sky full of stars. 

"Are you happy?" Hedeon asks out of blue. 

"Yep." Yelena nods. 

"Are you happy being with me?" 

"Why are you acting weird?" 

"No reason." 

"Liar." 

"So?" 

"Of course, I am." She answers, putting her hand over her heart. "You are the one I love. I was miserable when you were not with me all those years. I want to-no scratch that, I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you until we grow old together and die. So suck it up. You're not leaving me if that's what you're trying to do right now." 

"Then marry me?" Hedeon reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box, the knot of nerves in his stomach doubling. 

Yelena sucks in an audible breath, but otherwise everything hushes—the wind, the chirping of the crickets and the callings of the frogs and owls. It is like the entire world is holding its breath, waiting to see what happens next. 

Hedeon falls on one knee with his best smile, velvet box open in hand to reveal a dazzling diamond ring. "I swear I'll be an obedient husband." 

Tears blurring her vision as Yelena presses a hand to her mouth, a pure reaction Hedeon manages to pull out of her. She glances up at his face to see him, still wearing his brightest smile and expecting her answer. "How can I say no to this handsome face? Yes, Hedeon. I'll marry you." 

Hedeon's smile widens even more if possible as he takes the ring and slips it into her finger. He then takes her in his arms and places a kiss on her forehead, renewing his vow to protect and love her unconditionally for the rest of his life. 

On the other hand, Yelena is sobbing into his chest, her arms around him like tight vines. The moment they are living seems to be too perfect and she's afraid that someone will snatch it out of her if she lets go of him for a second. But it is real and this is the beginning of their life journey with happiness together as one. 

END OF ACT 3.