Inkworld Trilogy (c) Cornelia Funke

Written for the sixth IU challenge. Prompt used is Heaven. Just a short, fluffy ficlet. It's Doria/Meggie because there isn't enough of it around, sadly.

Watching

Meggie liked watching Doria. She liked watching his big, meticulous hands as they-despite the two stiff fingers on his left - skillfully carve the wood and form it into a miniature car model. She liked watching his curious, childlike expression every time he would ask her, "Is this how it looks like, Meggie?" or "Did I do it correctly?" And she liked watching the smile-one of relief and achievement- that would appear on his face every time she said, "Yes, that's perfect."

Meggie liked being by his side. It brought her a warm,lighthearted feeling. She liked the occasional glances he would throw towards her direction and she would give him a wide smile every time their eyes would meet. She liked the sound of their intermingling laughter as Doria told her about Jasper and Rosenquartz's funny exploits with the wild glass women. And she liked the feel of his wavy,brown hair in her hands when she tucked some tendrils behind his ear so they did not block his vision and distract him from his work.

"Thank you."

She liked the sound of his voice, so calm and so soothing , and the way his cheeks had turned a bright shade of red. He was embarrased, she could see, but he didn't lower his gaze. Doria always looked people in the eye.

"You're welcome," she told him as she leaned down on the table , resting her chin on top of her palms and continued to watch him as he hunched over the table and continued to work. After a few minutes, he straightened his back and stretched.

"There, it's done. What do you think?"

She grabbed the the wooden sculpture from his hand and inspected it thoroughly. Then, she looked at Doria who had an expectant look on his face. He was like a young artist waiting for the comment of a renowned art critic. Finally, she decided to end his agony. She grinned.

"I think it's a perfect copy." She gave the the wooden car back to Doria.

Doria heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm glad." He glanced the sculpture on his hand. "You know, your world has some very interesting machineries. Someday, I will also invent a carriage that does not need a horse and you will be the first one to ride it. "

She narrowed her eyes and waved a finger at him. " I'll hold you to your word."

Doria raised his right hand. "I never break a promise. "

Meggie smiled. "I'm sure you don't."

She stared him,long enough to memorize his every liked to watch his face, the face that showed her nothing but kindness. Friendship. Love. She liked his eyes that were as blue as the skins of the fairies and his red lips that always had a ready grin for her. She liked to imagine what it felt like to kiss him and inwardly, she hoped that he would soon. Or maybe she could take the initiative. Meggie couldn't help but blush at the thought.

Doria's gaze turned worried and he placed a hand on her forehead to feel her temperature. "Are you okay, Meggie? You look a bit flushed." He cupped her face between his hands, " Would you want me to get Roxane?"

Meggie mentally chuckled. Oh, this boy could be a bit dense sometimes. But she liked that about him. In fact, she liked everything about him. Without a doubt, she was hopelessly in love with him.

"I'm fine, Doria."

"Are you sure?" He looked at her skeptically.

Mustering all her courage, she grabbed the front of his shirt and guided him down so his lips met hers in a kiss that was long overdue. The kiss ended with Doria looking so dazed and Meggie even more flushed than before.

The boy blinked twice as if a realization hit him. And then , his familiar grin once again crossed his lip. "I guess you really are feeling okay."

Meggie returned that grin. "Yup, never felt better, in fact."

"That's good to know."

And Doria closed his mouth over hers again.

Fin.

Thank you for reading.