Chapter Text
Ivy knew that her boyfriend was timid and didn't like to talk much. She even found his bashfulness endearing, though recently he's been jumpy, more nervous, fur standing on edge. Golden yellow orbs darting from one side to the next, like a cornered animal looking for an exit but when he saw that it was her standing in front of him, he relaxed.
“How are you feeling?” Ivy asked him. Freckle was hesitant to respond at first before he opened his mouth to say something then closed it and sighed.
“Nervous.” his response came out barely above a whisper. Ivy reached out to hold his paw to calm him down.
“If there is anything that's bothering you. Don't be afraid to tell me. Ok?” Ivy spoke in earnest while Freckle heard footsteps approach. He instinctively retracted his hand.
Ivy would've expected to be Viktor to step in and intimidate Freckle from holding onto her hand, much like how the burly Slovak had intimidated her previous suitors from getting close to her but no, it wasn't him.
It was Rocky who sauntered his way humming a soft tune which made Freckle's ears droop and his tail dangle between his legs.
“What a lovely evening. We got out of the run unscathed with plenty of shots to spare. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Pepper?” Rocky smirked, emphasizing his protruding fangs.
“It would've been better if you'd assisted with starting the engine instead of distracting Freckle with the cargo.”
“And let those rubes know where we're hiding?! Not a chance! How else were we getting out of the rundown factory without those philistines sniffing our trail?” Rocky approached his cousin and grabbed his shoulders as a demonstration, “Freckle here is the best to guard the spirits while I serve as the main attraction to keep them on their toes.” Rocky wrapped his arm around his cousin's neck though Ivy hadn't noticed the way Rocky's tail gingerly intertwined with Freckle's, a slight teasing gesture to rile the orange cat.
Upon gaining the smug satisfaction of making his wee cousin shudder, the grey tabby walked away from Freckle as he loosened his tail and looked at Ivy with a mischuevous glint in his cerulean eyes. A look she couldn't describe while a trill rumbled from Freckle's throat.
“You, Miss Pepper, are quite a confounding getaway driver. You sure know how to steer us in the grand scheme of things. After all, we wouldn't been able to work together if it wasn't for you.” Ivy wasn't sure if what Rocky said was either a compliment or a passive-aggressive remark. “If you'll excuse me, I have to take the stage.” Rocky headed back to the car to pick his violin case while he left the two lovebirds alone.
Freckle stared at Ivy silently, wanting to ask her something but no matter how hard he tried to find the words he didn't have the courage to speak and he hated himself for being a coward. It was like he wanted to speak what was on his mind then another thought comes in to stop him, a constant struggle to articulate what he felt as those doubts and insecurities swarm in his head like a wasps' nest. He moved his paws to navigate as a means to retain control of his nerves but when he quickly saw Ivy turn away that was when he blurted out.
“Thank you.” Ivy looked back at Freckle and gave a wry smile and he did the same. He wasn't very good with words like Rocky but he was certain that it meant the world to him more than she could imagine. Thank you for being there. Thank you for holding my hand. Thank you for being patient. Thank you for loving me, even if I don't deserve it.