Fluff Starter for Reuben

[Deleted]

“How about a kiss?”


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

The fact that they were engaged afforded them certain, liberties that they may not have otherwise had. A simple kiss, being one of them. The very words she had asked for. Rueben had finally seemed to find a mother for his daughter. Juliet seemed to be caring and kind; qualities that could lead to a nurturing individual -- if she did not already possess this as well. His thoughts if ever spoken, were not ones meant to flatter. They were fact. Based on his observations of her and the time they spent together.

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Rueben would not take this decision lightly and he knew that before they were wed, he would need to introduce her to Evelina and reveal the existence of his daughter which was not yet known to the ton. These thoughts were foremost on his mind when she asked him for a kiss. He was quite aware that he was not . . . affectionate. Most everyone passed it off as him a perfect gentleman. He did not confirm this nor dispute it. As always, he allowed those to make such assumptions and think what they will. The truth of the matter, was that Rueben struggled with physical touch. It had taken him some time with his first wife to even touch her in such intimate ways. It was indeed why he always kept his hands gloved in public or in the company of anyone but his daughter.

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But hearing her ask this question now . . . he knew it a fair one. He knew women enjoyed affection, and touch and all such things that would flatter them and make them feel beautiful. And Rueben had to appease her and maintain her interest for the duration of the engagement, until they were wed. He turned to look at her as they walked through the garden of her estate, leaning on his cane with every step. Another fortunate liberty of being engaged, was that no chaperone was currently required. "Have you ever been kissed before?" He inquired. He was not necessarily stalling but rather, was asking to determine whether she had experienced any sort of intimacy with another man and thus, what her expectations would be of one.

[Deleted]

The more time Juliet spent with Reuben the more she learned about him.  He was quite an intriguing man, he was the perfect gentleman in all ways but he barely offered his arm to her unless they were being watched.  It made her begin to wonder if touching made him uncomfortable so she respected him by not pushing the issue until tonight.  She had always wanted to be kissed, all the books she read talked of first kisses as the most magical moment.  The first touch of two people's lips that would either be soft and sweet or it might be harsh and demanding as it caused passion to ignite.  She had to know what their chemistry was going to be, a kiss would be the first test.  

Now her cheeks were flushed just at the thought of him coming close enough to her to kiss and she tried not to let him see how excited she was for this moment.  He was going to be her husband, she knew he didn't want to be her husband in the intimate ways but she wanted it.  Now she had to find a way to convince him that he did want it too.  This request was hopefully the first of many but she wanted to start small.... a simple kiss to seal the deal.

No, I haven't ever been kissed.  Juliet admitted to him gazing at him forgetting everything but him.  I never found a man that I wanted to kiss.  


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

She told him that she had never been kissed, never having found a man that she wanted to kiss. With her consent to his proposal . . . perhaps that had changed. He knew that a man, a gentleman would perhaps express flattery and pride in being chosen. But for him, he was only reminded of not being able to give i to a seemingly simple task. Something that most men yearned for. Rueben wanted to do all within his capabilities to ensure the happiness of Evelina's mother . . . yet such things, tended to be materialistic. The more, sentimental, emotional . . . physical things, were further beyond his capabilities. Perhaps with time, since he had clearly been able to each that point with his first wife.

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He felt her eyes on him and he turned his head to meet her gaze, keeping his expression controlled and even so not to give way to his thoughts. "I see," he responded pensively. Letting his eyes remain upon her for a few more moments, he turned his head back to the forward path. He was not oblivious to what a moment such as this one should lead to. It was perfectly set up, and could have transitioned with ease and excellent timing, to kiss a exquisitely beautiful woman who one would marry . . . yet Rueben did not take advantage of it. He did not lean in nor seal the distance between them. He did not give Juliet her first kiss.

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"Before we marry, there is something I must speak to you about." Instead, he changed the subject. At this point, he did stop walking and properly turned to face her. "It is something that may change your mind about marrying and if so, speak your mind to it." Though he had a strong feeling she would make a good mother, based on his observations and what he noticed about her . . . he would still give her an out. A chance to end this before it solidified to marriage. For not everyone woman wanted the responsibility of raising a child that was not their own.

[Deleted]

That damn question, why had she asked that of him?  She knew that she was pushing him too fast but her heart wanted it and she could not take it back now.  Gazing at him she wished that she could read his mind, what was he thinking, did he worry that being her first kiss was too much pressure?  Why oh why had she asked him that!!  Now she had to wait to see his reaction and hope that she could repair the damage.  His simple reply spoke volumes as did the way he didn't come any closer to her.  She was not going to be kissed tonight, not by him.  

She was worried that she had offended him when he suddenly stopped walking to stand in front of her.  His words made her immediately nervous and speechless.  Forcing herself to speak she hoped he could not hear the fear in her voice.  Please speak freely, I hope you feel free to share anything with me.


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

If there was one . . . skill -- if one would call it that -- that Rueben possessed, it was his skill at observing others. At noticing their every movement, and what it was indication of. Growing up in a society where every used pretty words to mask their true feelings, one's expressions often betrayed what one vocalized. The way one stood, the features upon their face, even how their hands and arms were positioned . . . yes. It said wonders, and Rueben had learned how to identity when and where it would give a person away. When it would give way to what was truly in their mind. There were of course exceptions and mind reading was an impossibility . . . but this is why he would simply study others. One could learn a great deal more from what someone did not say, compared to what they did say.

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So now, as Juliet spoke to him in a shifted tone, encouraging him to speak freely . . . he would casually watch her as he spoke. To see, if there was false assurance in her voice that she was quite alright with the idea of raising a daughter in the attempt to remain polite in his presence . . . or whether her body language would remain consistent with her words and thus, reveal that she was telling the truth. Of course, she could also bluntly state that she was not willing to take on a daughter, but polite society tended to encourage ladies and gentlemen alike to handle their words with care and consideration. "I have a daughter." The revelation was not one he made to many, and none he had made to in the ton as a potential mother to his. Despite the magnitude of the words, Slade's expression and tone did not change from this topic compared to the last.

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"It is not known knowledge among the ton." Some thought it rumour, others had no idea . . .and Slade knew now in telling her, and if she did not want to move forward with the marriage, that there was a possibility this fact he had just told her, would become public knowledge. It was not out of shame he concealed her, but rather . . . out of necessity and protection. "But in my motivations to find a wife, she would also become mother to my daughter." A daunting thought indeed, which was why Rueben needed to tell Juliet now, rather than after they got married.

[Deleted]

Reuben was a very complicated man Juliet was starting to realize but the more she learned about him only made her curious of what else she didn't know.  He didn't offer much about himself personally so she made note of each thing he shared, this one made her eyes open wide and at she was in shock.  He had a child?  A daughter?  She had never ever heard a rumor of such a thing but then a wide smiled spread over her face.  Jules had always wanted a child, especially a daughter,  Now if she married him she would gain a daughter as well.  She turned to him with an excited look on her face.  How old is she?  What is her name?  Her favorite color?  Then she realized that she was hitting him with too many questions in rapid fire but she was just so anxious to learn more about this child.

Of course your first concern must be for her, her safety and her well being.  I would gladly take care of her, children must be treasured and loved. She said softly then she smiled again.  She is lucky to have you as her father, you protect her well and keeping secrets around this Ton is not easy to do.  Then Jules thought of all the things she had always wished she had her mother there to do, now she was going to get to give all she had missed to this girl.  She could be the mother that she had always wanted.  What is her name?

Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @julieta

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

It was her smile, that brought reassurance to Rueben's mind. He had been watching her reaction very carefully upon revelation. There was initial shock, which was entirely understandable and expected. But then, the way she smiled and seemed to light up with excitement . . . brought his mind to ease. That her gaining a daughter, was not a complication for her. In fact, the questions that came after indicated that she was embracing the very idea of it. Speaking about his daughter was not a common occurrence -- with the exception of those he was close to. But certainly not with a woman he had met with the intent to marry. So hearing her ask all these questions . . . did not agitate him as one may expect. Instead, his lips curved upward, offering a half smile to Juliet. A sincere one.

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"Evelina," he first answered, revealing his daughter's name to her. Where he felt that he could. Had she reacted . . . unfavorably, Rueben would have instantly ended the conversation and engagement. But instead, the conversation was open to talking about his daughter. "She is four and a half year," he further explained, knowing that Juliet deserved to know of her age now that she knew of her existence. And seemed rather willing to become a mother to her.

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Slade knew that the real test would be in how she was with Evelina but Rueben tended to trust his judgement and thus far . . . it had been sound in this area. And to further reinforce these thoughts, she spoke of understanding why he had kept it quiet, rather than being resentful or bitter at this secret kept. She spoke of . . .how Evelina was lucky to have him as a father and this was fairly uncommon for Rueben to hear.

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Truth be told, he did not even know how to react to such, complimenting words. Keeping his emotions guarded, allowing a smile was indeed progress in his emotional expression . . . and progress when it came to his comfort around Juliet. "I share this sentiment," he started with, in agreement to children being treasured and loved. "I wished to protect her from gossips in the ton." Which was not a complete lie; he also wished to protect her from his enemies or those who would use her against him. "It is assuring that you understand my motivations for not telling you this sooner. And that you seem to, embrace the idea of being a mother." Because being a mother to Evelina was more important than being a wife to him.

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"These questions you have of her preferences, I shall leave you to ask her. When you meet her." Not if . . . but when. "Which will be soon," he added on. He knew that if Juliet asked Evelina questions about what she liked or any of her preferences, that it would bring his daughter great excitement. And allow them to further bond. "Then it is settled, that you . . . accept this arrangement?" Because consent, was extremely important and having her explicitly agree, would take out any ambiguity that he was forcing her into this, for down the road . . . it would only cause Evelina harm.

[Deleted]

Juliet was so excited now, not only was she gaining a husband who was saving her from the hell she dealt with from her father but she was going to be part of a family.  A daughter to make her a mother had her giddy with excitement.  All the things they would be able to do together.  Evelina is a beautiful name, and 4 1/2.  I cannot wait to meet her.  You don't think she will see me as a threat to her relationship with you?  She had to ask wanting to make sure that Evelina would be alright with her in her life. All the years with her father she would have loved getting someone to love her but it never happened but being able to do it for someone else was a dream come true.

He was such a mystery but slows the real man was emerging, each piece was bigger than the last.  She had never dreamed that he had a child, how had he managed to hide her for so long?  He seemed so distant but now she knew without a doubt that he was capable of love.  It love a child was the truest kind of love there was and it gave her hope that perhaps one day he might even grow to love her too.  Then Juliet noticed how Reuben's face changed as he talked about her, it was.... a smile!  A true and honest smile that made him even more attractive to her and it made her understand him a bit more.  No wonder he was so guarded, this was how he protected his darling daughter from the gossip and cruelty of the world around them.  Now she wanted to help him with that.  Now you won't be protecting her alone, I accept this arrangement.  I look forward to meeting her and marrying you.


Reuben Slade