Chapter Text
I seriously wondered from which side he got it. I’m pretty sure not from his mother. Elena was the epitome of a goody-good shoes. Maybe it came from Lyle’s side of the family.
Who had ever thought that little Aran could be naughty? I was glad that he was staying with me for the week and that he wouldn’t get in trouble with his mother. Most likely, it was just a mere misunderstanding. Aside of that, I didn’t mind seeing that cute young teacher of his again. God, he sure made my temperature rise.
I parked my car and walked towards the playground attached to the kindergarten building. A faint smile appeared on my lips as I heard the excited shouts and laughter from the children as it seemed it was recess.
My eyes went immediately to the tall male surrounded by children with one under his arm, chatting amicable with the little chipmunks – a wide, sunny-bright smile on his face.
Kíli was a handsome young man, with his black scruff and messy jet-black bun. He always had a cheeky glint in his eyes and the children adored him. Maybe because he was a child by heart as well.
I grinned when I realised who he was carrying under his arm. It was little cheeky Aran. He looked up and a grin erased the scowl off his face, showing his missing front teeth.
“Aunt Lia!” he beamed, wiggling under Kíli’s arm. Kíli looked up, his oak-brown eyes widening. A wider smile appeared on his face. He walked towards me with the little one still under his arm and a trail of chipmunks following him.
“Hello Natalia,” he greeted me with a cheeky twinkle in his eyes as Aran waved at me – a sheepish smile on his face.
“Kíli,” I greeted him back with a faint smile. “You called me because this little monkey was naughty?” I arched my eyebrow amused and Kíli smirked a bit wider.
“Okay, squirts. Go play,” he ordered with a fond smile, putting Aran down as the kids ran off, while staying close at the same time. Aran stayed, looking all innocent as he took my hand.
“Can I play too, Kee? Aran asked innocently as he squeezed my hand softly.
“You can, but stay close,” Kíli told Aran who nodded in response and wandered off to watch a few kids play with marbles.
Kíli straightened up and shot me an interesting look as he put his hands in his pockets, his muscles flexing a bit. “Aran used some … naughty words today.”
My eyebrows shot up in surprise as a small unsettling feeling started to grow in the pit of my stomach. “What did he say?”
“Well,” he looked around to make sure that there weren’t any children close by and lowered his voice. “He told me that I had a perky butt.” He arched his eyebrow at me and I felt my cheeks starting to burn.
“I took him aside, of course, to ask him where he got this from.” I wanted to disappear. “He took me rather by surprise, as I have never heard him speak like this before.” Kíli moved closer to me, a twinkle in his eyes.
“He told me that he had heard his aunt say it when she was talking to someone on the phone.” My palms started to sweat as I realised what more I had said that particular phone conversation and perky butt had been the mildest phrase!
“I asked him what more his aunt had said about me and he told me some interesting things.” Kíli’s voice had become even lower and shivers went down my spine. “He told me that his aunt had said that I’ve a lickable face and that she wants to sit on me.” He arched his eyebrow and I groaned embarrassed, hiding my face behind my hand.
“You want to sit on me, huh?’ Kíli asked low and almost husky in my ear, making me bite my bottom lip.
I removed my hand and looked at him. He was smirking at me as we stood really close. “I’m pleading the fifth on this and I’ll talk to Aran to make sure this never happens again.” And to make sure that his mother never finds out about this! She’d have my head!
“Pleading the fifth, huh?” he tucked a curl behind my ear as we stood close to each other. “I am actually grateful that your nephew tattled on you.”
I blinked, swallowing as I realised he was flirting with me. It made me smile coyly as my mortification ebbed away.
“Maybe we could discuss my indiscretion someday in private. I need a lecture about not speaking about such topics where my innocent nephew could hear me.”
His eyes darkened as he smiled a bit wider, a tad more hungry, making my stomach tighten in anticipation. “I see,” he drawled and his voice made shivers go down my spine. “Maybe I should give you some detention later.” He smirked cheekily as he stared at me.
“I’ll be waiting with anticipation … Teacher.” His eyes became a shade darker and he opened his mouth.
“Am I in trouble?” Kíli immediately took a step away from me as Aran sudden spoke and I felt my cheeks become a bit hotter.
“No, sweetheart.” I crouched down before him and smiled warmly, stroking his cheek. “However, maybe it’s better if you don’t repeat those things I’ve said on the phone. It isn’t something you can say, really.”
He frowned, confused. “But don’t you like Kee? You said on the phone you liked him and I want you to be happy like Ma and Pa.” My heart squeezed and I pulled him into my arms – hugging him tight.
“Darling, that is really sweet of you. Thank you for worrying about me, but you still can’t say those things to people again, okay?” he nodded in understanding. “Now go play. I’ll pick you up later.” Aran smiled widely and dashed off, joining his friends.
I stood up, feeling Kíli’s intense gaze on me. “May I text you later?” he asked me softly as I felt his hand lightly on my back.
“You may, Teacher, so we can discuss my punishment.” I shot a coy look at the young male who smiled playful at me. “Good day.”
I waved at Aran who beamed at me and I walked back to my car. I looked one more time to the playground and my stomach tightened when I saw Kíli watching me. He waved with a cheeky grin and I waved back, getting into my car.
Maybe having a little curious nephew wasn’t so bad at all.