Dinner for two
It had been a long time since Maryse had felt so excited and gleeful.
Or maybe she had never been. She wondered if there had been a time for her to be young, a girl nurturing dreams. The harsh discipline to which young shadowhunters were subjected left no room for daydreams or reveries, much less so entertainment. The same discipline that - she realized - she had imposed on her children, and now, as a mundane, she understood how freaking wrong that educational path was, with no chances to find out anyone’s true self. Maryse was aware now that letting people grow according to their feelings and ambitions ultimately made them better fighters, strong but also compassionate.
Therefore, she felt excited. She had invited Luke for dinner at her place for the first time. Weirdly inexperienced in the romantic field, given that her marriage to Robert had been shaped more around camaraderie and brotherly affection than around passion, she felt as restless as a teenager on her first date: which indeed it was. Fortunately, at least she had gained some experience and skills with cooking. No longer being able to count on the institute's cafeteria, she had relied on that mundane deviousness named Youtube and through attempts and mistakes she had been able to learn how to cook not too complicated, obviously, but tasty dishes. Also discovering a strange pleasure in getting food ready with her own hands. She now understood quite well why Magnus occasionally wished to let go of his magic and prove himself in getting things through his own hands' hard work.
That evening she opted for lasagna, which had become soon her specialty, followed by a mixed salad. She had then arranged a bowl full of small red fruits, currants, raspberries, strawberries; she didn't know what had inspired her, but they seemed ... beautiful, beautiful to look at and probably also to taste. This too was discovery after becoming a mundane, being able to enjoy something simply thanks to its beauty and to the pleasure offered to eyes and heart.
The table was ready, also simple but neat: a cream-colored tablecloth, brown napkins, white plates, tall glasses, two candles emanating a faint scent of sandalwood - yes, another pleasantness Magnus had taught her.
The doorbell rang, and Maryse took a breath to calm herself, took off her apron and went to open the door. And there he was, Luke, handsome and sporting that peculiar smile, wide and open, but with an extra touch of sweetness, only devoted to her.
They stared at each other for a few seconds, until Maryse realized she was being still and made a small gesture. "Come in, please". Luke handed her a bottle of already chilled white wine. "I hope you like it and it gets along with the dinner" "Absolutely yes, you shouldn't have bothered, but thank you".
They sat on the sofa, and there was this strange hindrance between them. Too many memories, perhaps, and not always pleasant ones, but in the meantime, there was also a growing desire to try to start over from where they left off.
"How are you? - she said - How was your day? " "Not bad ... now better, though".
Maryse put her hand to her mouth to hide a small smile: she really felt like a schoolgirl, for God's sake, how was that possible? Yet her breathing was quickening, her heart throbbed, she was trembling slightly. Luke took her hand and kissed her palm. Maryse closed her eyes savoring the sensation, so new yet so familiar. For a moment, she wondered what her children would think, seeing her so engrossed; but then she reflected that they would only want her happiness.
At that moment the oven timer rang, and Maryse jumped to her feet, even too fast. She took out the lasagna and they both sat down at the table.
The dinner went on with much praise from Luke and some blush from Maryse, perhaps partly due to a couple of glasses of chilled wine, perhaps partly.. not. Finally, she said “I am very glad you enjoyed your dinner. Now let's finish with something refreshing ”and took out the bowl with the red fruits.
"I got another surprise too," Luke retorted. And he went back into the hall where he had left a beautiful colored cardboard box decorated with a green ribbon. He opened it, discovering a beautiful series of pastries of various flavors and finely decorated, and placed it next to the fruit container.
Without speaking, staring into his eyes, Maryse took a strawberry and brought it to his mouth: Luke opened it a little and wrapped his lips around the juicy fruit. He bit it, and a drop of juice fell on the plate, but neither of them seemed to notice. When Luke had swallowed the strawberry, he still silently took a cream pastry and placed it close to Maryse’s mouth, who was already ready to receive it. This exchange continued for a while without either of them saying a single word.
Finally, Luke took the napkin and wiped Maryse's mouth, then his own.
Maryse got up slowly and, at the same time feeling bold and scared as ever, whispered "Shall we continue this conversation in the other room?". Luke smiled, stood up too, and held out his hand.