The Smell of Defeat

[sidhe_faerie]

 

The Smell of Defeat

Prompt Tangy

Paul/Cass (Silver & Gold)

WC 350

 

As soon as Paul walked into the apartment and smelled the tangy citrus cleaner, he knew she was going to be in a bad mood. When Cass was angry or upset, she cleaned.

He ran through the last twenty-four hours in his brain to figure out if he was the cause. Nope. Not him. He braced himself for her mood.

“Silver? Where are you?” Paul called out hoping he was wrong.

“Bathroom!” Her voice was tight.

Paul leaned on the open door frame and watched her scrub the floor. “Gonna tell me what's up?”

“Why do you think something is up?” Cass looked up and glared at him.

“The lemony fresh smell.” Paul raised an eyebrow. “You're angry. Spill.”

“Hoover got the curator position I applied for. He's only been there two months and I'm way more experienced than he is. Dubland wanted a man for his collection. Sexist pig!”

Paul reached down and pulled her off the floor. He pulled the rubber gloves off her hands one at a time. “I think that's enough for a while.”

Cass looked down at the floor. “Paul I'm not done. I missed a spot over there.”

“Yes. You are done.” Paul was firm. He threw the rubber gloves on the floor. “You need to quit that damn job. It does nothing but upset you. When was the last time you picked up a brush?”

“I don't know. Last week... maybe.” Cass sighed. “I've been focused on getting that curator job. I haven't done much else.”

“That settles it we are ordering a pizza and you and I are going to paint tonight.” Paul kissed her. He rubbed his nose at the strong tangy smell of the lemon cleaner. “First, you need a shower. You smell like a giant lemon vomited on you.”

“That's sexy, Gold. Very sexy.” Cass rolled her eyes.

“You'll thank me later.” He kissed her cheek and left the bathroom. “Get in the shower! I'll order the pizza and set up the easel.”

“Paul….I love you….” Cass called out.

Paul sighed. “I know. I love you too.”