The Sweet Gestures Meme

[theycalledmeacurse]

the sweet gestures meme

Everyone loves sweet gestures—little things that remind someone that you love them, that you think of them, that you care for their general, and other things. A gesture could be made towards a friend, a family member, or some other loved one. Maybe towards a total stranger you think deserves something to make them smile.

prompts

1. LOVE NOTES ❤ Everyone loves love notes, and they don’t even have to be romantic. It could be simple as ‘have a good day at work’ or even something funny to brighten someone’s day.

2. BREAKFAST IN BED ❤ Especially on a Sunday morning or after a long, late shift at work, breakfast in bed with their favorite foods is surely the way to start the day off right.

3. PHONE CALL ❤ Who doesn’t like a phone call from someone they love, for no reason? A nice conversation can be all someone needs to have a better day or make a good day be a great one.

4. SWEET TREAT ❤ Late at night when you’re both tired from work or just general day-to-day things, something sweet from the local bakery can be just the thing you need.

5. MASSAGE ❤ While a wonderful idea, swapping massages can be a good idea too, or doing it after a nice bubble bath you made for them, or just randomly.

6. RANDOM HUG ❤ Even if they are not having a bad day, how could a hug not bring a smile to someone’s face?

7. SMALL GIFT ❤ It could be a piece of jewelry that caught your eye and reminded you of them, a stuffed animal you won at the carnival… just something small and sweet that you are sure they are going to love no matter how cheap or expensive it is.

8. FLOWERS ❤ From a florist or from a random patch of green, the surprise of flowers for someone you know and/or love is always welcomed! Look into their meanings to make the bouquet, big or small, become extra special.

9. RENT A MOVIE ❤ Sure, you might not like the genre of the movie, but if the other person does, then that is all that matters.

10. SLOW DANCE ❤ Middle of the living room, randomly while on a date, or maybe that is the whole purpose of the date. Slow dances are so underrated.

11. SURPRISE GETAWAY ❤ Yes, that is just what you guys need: a vacation from things, even if it’s just for a day or two and is not half way across the world. From a family vacation to a romantic spur of the moment, everyone loves going to a new place.

12. SURPRISE KISS ❤ Who doesn’t like a surprise kiss? A soft one on the cheek, a kiss being the thing to wake you up in the morning, or a big one right when you walk through the door.

13. HOLD HANDS ❤ There is nothing like holding hands. It’s a simple and intimate gesture, and if you do it the right way, it could have a whole different meaning.

14. COOK DINNER ❤ Come on, give it a go. Who cares if you’re not the best cook in the world or possibly the worst? It’s the thought that counts.

15. WILD CARD ❤ Was there something missed? Did you have another scene in mind? Want to roll again?


POSTED BY luuupin @ allmymemes

Comments

Fourth of July Date (8. Flowers)

[on_ur_left]

It had been a rather trying morning, and Steve found himself rushing to meet Marie at her apartment. He'd decided, at the last minute, to make one final stop, so he was running slightly behind. Clutching his purchase in one hand, he squinted into the glass of a nearby window and tried combing his hair down with the other. It was a lost cause, of course, after having to wear his motorcycle helmet, but he felt like he had to try.

This was a date. A real, official date, the first he'd ever had (that hadn't involved the words "She's got a friend" beforehand), and while Steve knew that his concepts of dating were laughably out of fashion... He knew Rogue wouldn't mind. She seemed to find it charming, and so long as she enjoyed it, he wasn't going to worry or try to change.

Steve located the address pretty easily, using the side door beside the little first floor tea shop's entrance, and quickly climbed the stairs. Checking his watch, he winced as he knocked; 10 minutes late. Not the best start, but he hoped she'd forgive him.

He glanced down at the bouquet in his hand. The florist had given him a prolonged questioning look when he'd requested it, but Steve was sure about what he wanted. Bird of Paradise, white 'mum, several daffodils, gladiolus, hydrangea, orchid, and Queen Anne's lace. It did look a bit haphazard, compared to the very professional bouquets they'd had on display, but these symbolized exactly how he felt and thought about Rogue. Even if no one else seemed to know the meanings of flowers anymore, he would know. And if she asked, he would tell Rogue. Hopefully she didn't start crying; he knew why she cried at these kinds of things, but it still broke his heart. She needed, and deserved, to hear it every day, though.

[theycalledmeacurse]

Rogue had been up bright and early that morning to prepare for their date. It was the first date she'd had in a very long time, and despite that fact that they'd already told each other 'I love you', she was nervous. They were going out of order with the relationship, doing things a bit backwards, but that didn't exempt her from the butterflies in her stomach and jittery nerves as she worked in the kitchen. She wanted everything to be perfect for Steve because he deserved nothing less.

Their lunch was packed up in the small picnic cooler she'd purchased the day before, the kind with the fabric outside and insulated lining, with a long shoulder strap for easy carrying. The outside was a stars and stripes design that she thought especially appropriate and just a little bit hilarious.

Once she was done in the kitchen, she kept herself busy fretting over the outfit she'd chosen: a red knee-length dress with an open white cardigan over the top to cover the tattoo on her arm. White ballet flats and a small red crossbody purse completed her outfit. She left her hair down, though she added some loose curl to it, trying for a subtle feminine look that she hoped Steve would like. She wanted to look nice for him, it was his birthday after all.

It was only when the knock on her door came that she looked at the clock and noticed he was running late. Smoothing her hands over her hair, she took a deep breath and opened the door with a bright smile that turned happily surprised at the sight of the flowers in his hand. Glancing from his handsome face to the flowers and back, she finally greeted Steve with, "Hi there, sugar. Are those for me?"

[on_ur_left]

It almost felt like they were starting over again. The last two times they'd spent the day together, at least one of them had cried at some point, and it had been highly emotional for both of them, yesterday. He was making no guarantees that he wouldn't end up a wreck at some point today, but he felt...clean, refreshed, like he had a new beginning. He looked back at the bouquet, picking out the six-petal star and cup shape of the daffodils. Rebirth, and new beginnings. Yes, absolutely.

When the door opened, Steve of course had been expecting Rogue, but his eyes got caught on her dress, which was gorgeous on her, and the way her hair looked, worn loose and curled, changed her look completely. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she stole his breath; she looked like she'd stepped out of the same time as him, and he hadn't realized just how much more attractive he'd find that, until he saw it with his own eyes.

Staring at the picture she made, he almost didn't catch her words. He started, glancing down at the flowers as if he'd forgotten he was holding them - which for a second, he had. He looked back up and smiled at her; he carefully extended his arm with the flowers to her; he did not thrust them at her like an awkward schoolkid, although that was really what he felt like doing. "Yes. I wanted-- well, I wanted to get you something. I never said I wasn't going to buy you anything, today." He smiled impishly.

[theycalledmeacurse]

Rogue had picked out her outfit with an old-fashioned, classic look in mind, trying for something reminiscent of the days in which he'd lived before. For a few minutes, she'd contemplated trying to find something that was of a vintage design as well, but she worried that might be too much for him - she didn't know what the woman he'd loved had worn, and she didn't want to bring up any painful memories for him. Today was going to be difficult enough without her help.

Seeing the way he looked at her made her heart skip a beat. Everything in his expression said that he found her attractive, she could see it written on his face, and that made her truly feel attractive, which was something she hadn't experienced in a while. It was nice, and the feeling buoyed her spirits even higher.

She took the bouquet from him delicately, rolling her eyes at his words. He was a troublemaker in the best ways, and she loved him for it. Tracing her fingers along the variety of petals, she studied each type of flower for a moment. The selection didn't blend as well as a normal bouquet from a florist would, so she assumed he'd picked each one out himself. Steve wasn't the type to go for looks alone, so... "You picked them out for their meanings, didn't you?" she asked him quietly, her eyes still on the blooms. "Daffodils are new beginnings, I remember reading that somewhere. What do the rest mean?" Dark eyes rose to watch him expectantly, eager to hear about the beautiful gift he'd given her.

[on_ur_left]

If she'd gone for red and vintage, Steve would have been uncomfortably reminded of Peggy - they really did have quite a lot in common, not just in looks, but spirit as well. But she'd chosen just the right look, and while he was imagining having met her back before the ice, Peggy didn't cross his mind. What did, was the idea of taking her to a dance hall, flirting and dancing and laughing together. Together being the operative word.

His stomach began to knot a little as she started to examine each flower. Part of the reason he was late was because, after leaving the florist's (he hadn't wanted to seem rude by doing it right there in the shop), he'd stopped and rearranged the flowers to his liking. His mother had taught him how, and she'd always been very impressed with his arrangements. He'd tried to make them look as neat and tidy as possible, giving each flower its own spot of importance within the arrangement, keeping those that clashed in color or shape separated... Still. It wasn't a dozen pink roses.

At her soft question, Steve's breath caught slightly. He should have known by now not to underestimate her, but if even a florist didn't realize what the bouquet said, he hadn't expected anyone to, anymore; it was somewhat outdated even when he'd been young in the 20's. He cleared his throat, but nerves still made his voice a little huskier than usual, as he reached out, pointing to each flower as he explained.

"Daffodils, for new beginnings, and high regard - but it has to be several, for happiness, just one means something else. Bird of Paradise, for excitement and anticipation. Queen Anne's lace, delicate and complex, and a haven to rest in. Hydrangea, for gratitude for understanding. Orchids, for..." He knew he was blushing; this was the part he was nervous about. Part of him hadn't wanted to come on too strong, but after everything they'd said and revealed yesterday, he didn't think it would be. His stomach and nerves weren't listening, though. "For proud and glorious femininity; refinement, thoughtfulness, and charm. Gladiolus, for strength of character. And white Chrysanthemum, for... truth, and loyal love."

He remembered learning all of the meanings when he was small, poring over the book and memorizing them; now, he felt the wording sounded like a dry text book, but there was a wealth of sincerity in every word he spoke.

[theycalledmeacurse]

The flowers were absolutely beautiful despite not being the traditional arrangement, and she could see the care that had been put into them, either by the florist or by Steve himself. She wondered idly if he had been the one to arrange them, since it seemed like it would fit his personality to do something important entirely by himself.

It became increasingly difficult to breathe as Steve explained the meanings of each flower, and her eyes followed his pointing finger, committing the words to memory so she could look back on them later. Her throat tightened as tears burned at her eyes, and when he'd finished speaking and she finally looked up at him, those tears slipped down her cheeks. She was so glad she's decided not to wear any eye makeup that day - something had told her she'd end up crying at least once, but she'd thought he'd at least get through the door first.

"Steve, I-" Her breath hitched and she tried to away the tears with the backs of her fingers, but they just kept coming. What could she say? Thank you? It meant the world to her? No, the only thing that would come out was, "I love you."

[on_ur_left]

When he looked up, after finishing his explanation, he was dismayed to find her crying. It certainly wasn't what he'd intended - but then he thought about all the things she'd told him, about her past, and how for so long she'd felt unworthy of things. He couldn't bring himself to regret the flowers, or telling her their meaning. He meant all of it, and he knew sometimes, tears were the only way to relieve an excess of feelings.

Still, he couldn't just stand there and do nothing while she continued to cry. Reaching over, he moved her hand with the flowers out of the way, then wrapped his arms around her middle and drew her into a hug. "I love you, too," he said quietly. He wished he had the words to explain to her just how much she'd come to mean to him, in even this short amount of time, but besides I love you, he just couldn't articulate it. He finally settled on, "You're the first girl I've ever bought flowers for. I'm... kind of hoping you'll be the last."

Pressing his nose to her hair, just above her ear by her temple, he breathed out, "And I mean every one."

[theycalledmeacurse]

Rogue wished she had the words to tell him that she was crying because she was happy. She was overwhelmed by that happiness, by the feeling of being loved and appreciated, of having someone really care about her. They were emotions she hadn't felt to this degree in years, and it was just too much for her to handle without letting some of it out. Unfortunately for Steve, that meant crying all over him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, careful of the beautiful flowers, and tried to get control of her breathing. It took a few minutes of just holding onto him, just riding that wave of emotion, before she could lean back enough to give him a watery kiss. "You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time, Steve," she told him softly. "The very best. I'd be happy to be the last girl you ever buy flowers for, so long as this isn't the last time. I kinda like it," she finished with a mischievous smile and another quick kiss.

[on_ur_left]

So long as they were happy tears, Steve didn't mind his shirt getting wet. He'd gladly endure it, if it meant she understood how he felt for her. For now, he just held her, rubbing a soothing rhythm up, then back down her back. He unconsciously started to sway gently in place, listening to her breathing slowly even out, until she pulled back. He couldn't help but hope that, eventually, the number of non-teary kisses would begin far exceed the watery ones, but every one was unique and perfect to him.

"Definitely not the last time," he responded, unable to stop his grin. "Though next time, maybe I'll give you orange roses and lilies. Maybe some red carnations." He didn't mind telling her what flowers he'd get her - but he'd save their meanings until he actually gave them.

[theycalledmeacurse]

It would take some time, but eventually they would both get to a place where they could get through a day together without one or both of them crying. It might take a lot of time, considering everything they'd both been through, but it would be worth the wait.

"That sounds beautiful," she told him, wearing a grin to match his. She had no idea what those flowers meant, but she looking forward to finding out. Stepping back and unwrapping herself from him, she wiped at her eyes again with a breathy laugh. "You haven't even gotten in the door yet," she realized aloud, reaching out to wrap her hand around his elbow and tug him inside. "Come on in, I need to put these in water."

Her apartment was small, just big enough for one person or two if they got really cozy, and the building definitely showed its age, but she'd done her best to make it nice. The furniture was all second-hand, from the worn grey couch in the living room in front of the windows to the scratched dining table set up in the corner, but there were bright yellow pillows on the couch and paler yellow curtains on the windows. Her kitchen was tiny, which was the one thing she had trouble coping with, but everything was perfectly clean and tidy. There were no photos of people around, no real personal touches other than the general decor, except for three large framed prints of the French Quarter in New Orleans, proudly mounted on the wall in the living room.

[on_ur_left]

Steve smiled as she steered him inside her apartment, looking around with open interest as she moved around the small space. He'd lived in places like this his whole life, so it didn't feel that small to him; it did make him notice how much bigger he was from back then, though.

The window and the yellow accents made it feel more open and happy; it suited her perfectly, he thought. He noted the framed photos, and remembered her mentioning visiting her husband's family in New Orleans. Some men, he thought, might be jealous that she still had that sort of thing up. He'd never make her get rid of them, though, or even want her to, unless she wanted to. They were a part of her past, that had helped shape her, and that was reason enough to like them.

"I like the yellow," he told her, coming to stand just outside the kitchen, so as not to get in her way, but still be able to watch her. He could watch her move for hours and never grow tired of it. Especially in her own space, where she was confident and at ease, sure of where everything was, and just how much reach she needed to get something. "And the prints. They're beautiful."

[theycalledmeacurse]

If Rogue had the money, she would live in an apartment with floor to ceiling windows, and she would always leave them open for the sun and stars to shine through. For three years, she didn't once see the sky, and that experience had taken its toll on her. She avoided being in places that felt enclosed or didn't have windows, because she'd found out the hard way that such things tended to cause panic attacks for her now.

"Thanks, sugar," she said to him over her shoulder as she trimmed the ends of the flowers with a pair of scissors to fit the vase she'd pulled out from under the sink. Everything was kept the same proportionate height so she didn't mess up his arrangement. Tossing the trimmed off stems into the small trash can beside the faded avocado green fridge, she picked up the filled vase and turned to face him.

"New Orleans feels like the only home I have left," she explained with only a flicker of sadness in her voice. "When I think of going back to somewhere I felt safe and accepted, it's what comes to mind. I lived in the school where I taught for almost a decade, but during the war, they..." She looked down at the beautiful flowers in her hands, reminding herself that she wasn't back there anymore. "That's where they put the lab, in the place that was my home. So even though I only stayed in New Orleans for a few months, it's all I have left."

Taking a deep breath, she looked back up at Steve with a small, fond smile. "This city's starting to suddenly seem like home too, though," she continued. "I wonder why that is." It was because of him, of course. Steve Rogers, the man out of time who had stolen her heart.

idek surprise.

[gbpp]

Life had suddenly spun out of control, and between fixing up his own mess, the mess of a bunch of his 'friends' and the general upkeep of Stark Industries, Tony had found himself without the time to sleep - let alone the time to spend with Rogue. He was aware, acutely, of the fact that she'd been to the Tower a few times whilst he'd not been there, and once when he'd been tied up with something he really could not postpone.

It had been the most difficult, thought-filled two weeks of his life - but he'd come out of that other side knowing something he hadn't been sure of before.

A long time in a comfortable bed, and a few phone calls later and his little plot is in play. Rogue will have the pleasure of a desk covered in flowers come morning, a box of the finest chocolates, and one all important envelope with her name written on it in his handwriting. It's the envelope that's the most important thing, but the only thing inside is a one-way ticket to JFK airport. The flight isn't until the evening - don't worry, Rogue you'll not miss out on tutoring dumb mutant kids or whatever you're up to these days.

best surprise :D

[theycalledmeacurse]

Rogue knew that Tony had been busy dealing with things, and that none of it had been especially easy for him. She hadn't taken his absences personally, she'd just left little reminders that she cared about him - homemade muffins so he'd have something to eat that wasn't takeout, a little Rogue action figure she'd had commissioned by an artist to match an Iron Man one, a box of donuts left in his workshop.

Just because she understood didn't mean she didn't miss him, though. She did - desperately.

She was and wasn't surprised at the assortment of things left on her desk. It was Tony's style, after all, but it was still sweet. The contents of the envelope were the biggest surprise, and for half a minute she contemplated not going before she came to her senses. She missed him and this was obviously a chance to see him, so of course she'd go.

The school day dragged on forever, but she was early to her flight, bag in hand with a few days' worth of clothes for... whatever this was. Just in case.

[gbpp]

It's really a good job that Rogue chose to pack well. Not that he hadn't had someone at the Tower pack a few things for her from there. Mostly, the plane ticket is just a token. As soon as she gets to the airport there's a personal chauffeur waiting to take her straight out onto the tarmac, where one personal jet with the words 'Stark Industries' emblazoned on one side waits - with a very familiar figure stood around by the stairs, chatting away with his pilot and one of the cabin crew.

There's a small tray nearby, with a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice and two glasses. Maybe it is just a ride to JFK that he's offering, or-- maybe it's something else.

He won't spot her right away, it's someone who taps him on the shoulder as soon as Rogue and her chauffeur exit the terminal building and he spins on his heel to greet her. The usual smile isn't there, at least not yet. Telltale signs of his uncertainty about the whole arrangement. Who was to say that Rogue wouldn't appreciate being whisked off for a week in the sun?

"You made it."

[theycalledmeacurse]

Rogue really didn't know what to make of any of this. Tony and the jet, the presents, all of it seemingly out of the blue when they'd barely seen each other. She was a little wary of it all, to be honest, because Tony was Tony, but a part of her was hopeful that all of this was as good as it seemed.

She loved Tony. She'd told him that much before, but it had never been with any sort of pressure attached, and she'd rarely said it after the first time because he'd taken it so well. And when she saw him standing there, so clearly nervous or uncertain or... something, she started to get nervous too.

"I made it," she echoed as she moved a little closer, bag in hand.

[gbpp]

"Yeah." It honestly feels like months since he'd last seen her, which was a ridiculous thought. Wasn't it? How long had it been? Was it enough time to change everything? His thoughts had taken a ride without him, and even if the memory of Rogue's admission of love for him featured heavily in a lot of them, he was acutely aware that feelings changed.

He'd changed so much, why wouldn't she?

Rogue was here though, and although it wasn't enough to complete satisfy his frantic thoughts it was enough to make him smile. "Ah-- let me get that." Reaching for her bag turns out to be pretty fruitless, because the flight attendant is there, taking it from the both of them and carrying it onto the plane.

"Okay. Never mind." Turning back to her, he straightens his shoulders, arching his eyebrow at Rogue. "Please have your tickets ready for inspection?"

[theycalledmeacurse]

It might not have actually been months, but it felt that way to Rogue too. The time apart made things seem... almost strained between them, leaving uncertainty in its wake. For such a long time, she'd felt completely at ease in his presence, like they'd been together for years and years, but now it was almost awkward standing there with him. She didn't like it, but she didn't know how to fix it.

She thought he might be feeling just as weird as she was, with the way he was acting. It made her worry even more about what this was, what it might mean for them. If there was an actual 'them' anymore.

Giving him a deadpan look, Rogue informed him, "Sugar, if my ticket's not valid then it's your own damn fault, considering you're the one who gave it to me."

[gbpp]

He hopes it won't take long before they would be back to their usual antics, and not-- just in the sense that they'd end up in bed together. There was, or had been something electric between them, but it wasn't everything to him - certainly not any more.

A gentle chuckle, and he's reaching out to take that ticket from her - ripping it up to make a show of just how pointless it was in the first place before tucking it carefully into his pants pocket.

"Think it'll do." He murmured, finally - taking a step to the side to let her pass him up onto the stairs that lead right up to the private jet. He has to remind himself - she wouldn't be here if she didn't want this, right? Whatever this was.

"Mutants first."

[theycalledmeacurse]

She missed those antics. There had been many long nights of missing him, of the times they'd spent together, and certainly not just in bed. They had joked with each other, laughed and danced, even cried. They had shared so much, and it made her heart ache to think of losing all of that. It was why she was there - because she wanted a chance to reclaim what they seemed to be losing, before it was too late.

He got an eyeroll for the ripped up ticket, because it was such a Tony move, and a shake of the head at that last comment. He could be so exasperating sometimes, but apparently that was one of the things she loved most about him.

Reaching the top of the stairs, she turned and planted a hand on her hip, demanding, "What exactly is this, Tony?"

[gbpp]

There's something about her expression, even as she rolls her eyes and shakes her head that tells him the very thing he knows that he knows but feels the need to find out all over again. Was the mutant comment too low? Hell, he'd called her worse - but maybe now it was different? Hell, he hoped not.

Taking a moment for himself, and another to mumble something to his pilot, he takes off up the stairs after her, pausing when Rogue does - flashing her a grin.

"How does a week away from all this sound to you?" Even as he says it, he slowly makes his way up, until he's right behind her, hand on the railing - close to her back, only slightly shorter because of the step difference.

[theycalledmeacurse]

It wasn't the comment itself that got to her, but the whole thing was hard to explain. She was tired of not knowing where they stood, of being apart from him and not even being able to talk to him on the phone because he'd been so busy. And part of Rogue hated herself for feeling that way at all, because it wasn't fair to Tony - the things that had kept him away from her hadn't been insignificant, so she was just being silly to let it get to her so strongly.

Knowing that didn't make it any easier, though.

There had been a time that she would have jumped without question had that offer been extended to her, but that time had passed. She watched that grin move closer and her heart began to feel heavier, weighing down her spirit. "It sounds..." She wanted to make a joke, to smile at him and give him a kiss, but she couldn't chase away the frown that etched itself into her expression. Taking a deep breath, she held it for a moment before letting it out and turning to head into the plane. "I don't know how it sounds," she admitted over her shoulder, unable to look at him.

[gbpp]

He'd felt sure, the moment that Rogue had taken to the stairs that this was it. That everything was fixed and they could move forward, as if nothing had happened, as if things were just like they had been. It's not until she falters with her words that his grin starts to slip away - and in the blink of an eye it's gone.

Tony's never been great at hiding his emotions, especially not around Rogue, so when his shoulders slump, and he feels he - he knows she'll have seen too. Of course, the fact that she can barely look at him says more than enough.

"Rogue." He clears his throat, sucks in a breath and reaches out - gripping her hand, even if she won't turn to look at him. He just needs her attention.

"I'm sorry, and we need to talk, and--" pause. "I've missed you."

[theycalledmeacurse]

Hiding her emotions was something Rogue had a lot of experience with. She couldn't exactly go around broadcasting when she hurt by someone's words or actions, or when something like a friend giving her a hug made her absolutely elated. No one wanted to know or think about the burdens of her mutation, but those were things she'd never had to worry about with Tony. It was nothing short of a miracle that she as able to touch him, but that hadn't been all there was between them. At least, she hoped not.

She went completely still when he took her hand, his fingers warm around hers, and she couldn't move because then he'd see the tears in her eyes. "I've missed you too," she said softly, the words quiet and almost brittle from being stretched too thin. "So much."

Buffy Summer | The Vampire Slayer | OTA

[first_summers]

[ Season 7 and beyond. ]