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gretagerwigsmuse · 2 years

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(christmas) baby please come home

summary: in which lieutenant commander bradshaw and his girlfriend throw a christmas party, complete with a christmas tree, copious amounts of champagne, blended friend groups, and the true meaning of the word home

OR what do you do when your boyfriend gets deployed over christmas and he gets you two christmas presents?

pairing: Rooster x Fem!Reader 11.8k

warnings: 18+, explicit language, explicit sexual content

part of @notroosterbradshaw ‘s hello december challenge

masterlist and playlist

It was obvious that you knew how to throw a party.

Furthermore, it was obvious that none of your and Bradley’s friends - baring Max, but only because he had professional help - would ever be able to pull off a party of the same caliber as your Christmas party.

Subconsciously, you wanted your friends to be jealous of you and impressed with how well you and Bradley had pulled things off. It was, admittedly, such a vain and shallow thought - no, desire to want to be the best at this. At throwing parties.

The Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack was currently echoing throughout the downstairs on the Sonos, the twinkling jazz giving off a whimsical, yet sophisticated vibe, the Christmas tree looked stunning in the living room where it was covered in nearly three thousand white lights and countless ornaments, and the food that you and Bradley - but mainly Bradley - had spent all morning and last night preparing was laid out on festive serving dishes, complete with seasonally appropriate plates and napkins, perfectly folded in their napkin rings.

You had scoured San Diego county for the most gorgeous garland possible to serve as the centerpiece on the dining room table, the berries and pine cones in it perfectly matching the plates and napkins and serving dishes. You had vacuumed the hardwood floor twice and washed it once before everyone came over and knew you would do so again once everyone left, if only so you could casually say it’s fine, you can keep your shoes on, we’re washing the floor tomorrow anyway. The candles weren’t overpowering, there was soft lighting all throughout the house, and you’d somehow wrangled a recipe for the cookies Bradley’s mom used to make from Sarah Kazansky and hadn't even burnt them.

Because you wanted people to talk about it - the party. And to say did you see their bathroom? It was so clean, there weren’t any water spots on the faucet. The beef tenderloin appetizers were delicious, they had to have gotten the meat someplace special? No, definitely not Vons, maybe some local butcher in La Jolla? Aren’t they such a sweet couple? Such a good pair.

Because it had to be perfect.

All of it.

Because this was Bradley’s Christmas. His only Christmas that year. Nothing could go amiss. And you wanted everyone to be jealous of it, so much so that tonight would be equal to if not better than how they celebrated the actual holiday with their own families - in their own homes - on Christmas Day.

Because they weren’t going to be spending the holiday on a drafty aircraft carrier in the middle of the Pacific far from home like Bradley was.

And Bradley deserved the entire world and all the happiness he could possibly have. The way his face had lit up when you’d first suggested the party after he’d gotten his orders at the beginning of November would stick with you for months. You’d told him that everything would be perfect, that you would pack enough Christmas spirit and love and gifts and food into one evening that it would take the sting out of being away from home - being away from you - at Christmas. Even if for just one night.

The guests had all arrived, some promptly and some not-so-promptly, with you and Bradley greeting them all, telling them to help themselves to all the food and drinks they wanted. Apparently, Max had a surprise for later that you prayed was not him putting on a Santa suit. But the conversation and drinks were flowing with ease, despite the blending of your two friend groups for the first time.

It was a good party.

Except right now, it was your turn to be the jealous one.

You watched, enviously, as one of your work friends leaned against the kitchen island with a glass of prosecco in her hand, while the other gripped Jake Seresin’s bicep. The jealousy wasn’t because of Jake or any attention he may have been giving her, mind you.

(Because no, no - while you may no longer have had an intense hatred for Bradley’s nemesis cum friend, you still didn’t actively seek out his presence and you definitely didn’t want his attention - not for anything other than a great party as he left your - no, Bradley’s house later that night.)

No - you were jealous of her dress. Her gorgeous, deep garnet, midi-length, sleeveless dress. That looked absolutely stunning on her, though a touch too fancy for a Christmas party in South Park. She looked gorgeous, beautiful - statuesque.

You absentmindedly fixed the bow on your wrap dress. Your long sleeved, silk wrap dress - that also did plenty to hide any unwanted lines or bumps around your stomach. And your arms.

Weeks ago, back when the party was but a pipe dream, you’d been eyeing this absolutely adorable, sleeveless, mini-dress for the event. Like your friend’s dress, it probably erred on the side of slightly too fancy for a house party, but it had been so pretty and so perfect. It had sat in your cart online for at least two weeks - you just wanted to see if it would go on sale before you finally pulled the trigger.

Until Thanksgiving.

When you saw how unflattering your arms looked in the black cashmere tank you’d brought for dinner to your parents’ house. You thanked your past self for having the forethought to pack a cardigan, which didn’t come off until hours later after all your aunts and uncles and cousins had left and you were snuggled up in Bradley’s arms.

Maybe you should try the HIIT classes on your Peloton instead of all those beginner rides you were still doing with Cody? Or get arm weights? The girls who worked out in the front two rows of your pilates class swore by them. They barely needed any input from the instructor - they just knew how to move their bodies that way. Or maybe you could ask your parents for a higher Class Pass subscription for Christmas? It would give you something to focus on while Bradley was gone.

You hadn’t been this self conscious at the gala back in October and that dress was far more daring than anything you’d ever worn before; practically open back, with a risqué slit and a deep v neckline, to say nothing of what you had worn just for Bradley later that night.

So, why now? Why tonight when you were supposed to be enjoying this time with your boyfriend and all your friends before the holidays? Why tonight, when everything else was going so right, were you being bogged down by this insecurity in your own home - no, no, it was Bradley’s home, not yours.

Was it because he was leaving? And you didn’t want one of his last images of you for three months to be your arms in a too tight dress? Because that was so shallow and silly and ridiculous.

But what if it was true? Bradley was so pretty and handsome and charming and sweet, what if there was someone else on that boat that also thought he was pretty and handsome and charming and sweet? And you’d seen all the other aviators and naval personnel at that gala, they were stunning. What if Bradley thought that too - no, no, no. You weren’t going to focus on that for one of your last nights with him.

Bradley loved you, Bradley proved how much he loved you every single day, Bradley catered to your every whim about this party with the biggest smile on his face.

Bradley loved you.

You were just being ridiculous and shallow and over dramatic and spiraling before he left. Bradley loved you, Bradley loved you. He loved you. He - was wrapping his arms around your waist.

“How’s it going?” His voice rumbled in your ear and you leaned back against him.

God, he was so strong and soft and warm and smelled so pretty all the time. You were going to miss him so much. You felt him fiddle with the bow tying your burgundy dress together and ducked your head.

“Good, just came to get a drink.” Which you had been doing - about three minutes ago. “And wanted to make sure everyone in here was all set.”

Bradley hummed and swayed you back and forth in his arms. “Look at you, hostess with the mostess - or however that goes. You want me to make you another drink?”

You nodded. “Please.”

You both had decided to set up the bar in the kitchen, while keeping the food in the dining room and the dessert in the sitting room for later. Hours ago, before you had even hopped in the shower, the bar had been painstakingly set up and organized. Now, it needed some work. You cursed yourself for not checking on it earlier in the evening - you couldn’t believe your guests had been serving themselves from this all night.

The glasses were no longer in neat rows, organized by type, the bowl with the limes was running dangerously low, and the caps to the liquor bottles and the champagne corks were scattered across the table. Without a second thought, you started organizing everything before Bradley could even get you a fresh glass.

You could tell he wanted to say something, but - at least for that moment - he just rubbed your back and then poured you another glass of champagne, making sure to put the bottle back properly. Meanwhile, you scooped up the stray corks and foil and other bottle caps and threw them in the garbage underneath the sink. You had enough time, maybe you could pop those dirty wine glasses in the empty dishwasher? Wait - there was a puddle of condensation underneath an open bottle of champagne. You frowned. Clearly, someone hadn’t put it back in the bucket. Who would do that? Didn’t they know to put it back exactly where -

“- You good?”

Bradley’s voice was so soft and reassuring and you couldn’t believe you’d soon be going without hearing it for months. Unable to wait another second, you wrapped your arms around him in a hug, which he eagerly returned and you nuzzled his chest. Bradley’s shirt for the party was an exceptionally soft flannel in a solid navy color that you’d found on sale. He hated buying himself clothes, even more so spending a lot of money on them, but he always liked whatever you picked out for him.

Maybe you could buy him some new clothes while he was gone? By now, you knew what he liked and didn’t like - right down to the colors and fabric types. He needed some new undershirts - and socks. You nuzzled your face into his chest. He felt so warm and soft and smelled so good. You had to buy a travel sized bottle of his cologne before he left.

“You sure you’re okay, kid?” he asked again.

“Just a little overwhelmed - and kinda tired.” You pulled your head back to look at him, but the two of you still kept your arms around the other.

“Well,” Bradley started, “to be fair, you did do like all the work for this party, think it’s valid to be a little tired, sweetheart.”

“What? No?” You were offended on his behalf. “Bubs, you made all the food and -”

“- Yeah, but you helped with the food and did all the work getting the house ready.”

You cocked your head, considering this. “I mean, I did. Didn’t I?” Bradley chuckled. “Okay, fine - I’m tired. But it’s a good tired, I think?”

“A good tired, huh?” His thumbs were making the most soothing circles on your hips.

“Like a heart full tired? A changing for dinner after a spending a day at the beach tired - no, wait. A post gala eating french fries in bed and watching Moonstruck tired?” An after you fucked me so hard I could barely remember my own name tired.

“You should’ve just led with that last one.” He kissed your temple and ran his hands up and down the silk fabric covering your arms. “Would’ve known exactly what you were talking about then.”

You lightly shoved his chest and then pulled him back in for a hug. “I’m also gonna miss you a lot…”

That was the crux of it. You were going to miss him so much you thought your heart was going to burst. And enjoying all the Christmas festivities tonight - on the second Saturday in December - made it all the more apparent that Bradley wasn’t going to be with you over the holidays. He wouldn’t be with you again until March.

You two had gotten through plenty of training missions, short diplomatic visits, and off-sites - on your end - over the last eight months. But this was Bradley’s first, real deployment.

God, if only Emily Simpson could see you now. You and Bradley had both been so cocky, so confident back in October at the gala about how effortlessly you handled the time spent apart. But you hadn’t been staring down a three month long deployment back then.

Three months was a long time. Six pay cycles, at least twelve trips to the grocery, four off-sites, the entirety of Q1, five nail appointments, twenty four pilates classes, and if he knocked you up that very night, it could be the entirety of a first trimester of pregnancy. Not that you wanted to be pregnant - at least not for a while. Like quite a while. It was just a way to compare time. You didn’t want to be pregnant.

Three months, three months, three months.

And then he’d come home to you. To you and your life together.

That’s why the party had to be perfect. Because it would remind Bradley of home and all he had to look forward to when he came back in three months.

“I’m gonna miss you, too. Never really had someone to miss before on one of these - not like this.”

And then he kissed you - quick, little butterfly kisses that soon turned bolder and more daring, especially considering there were five or so other people milling about the kitchen. Bradley’s tongue licked your bottom lip, eventually coaxing your mouth open. He tasted like the old fashioned you saw him drinking earlier. You slid your arms up his chest to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer and fiddled with the ends of his soft hair.

The sounds of the party disappeared around you - you could no longer hear Frank Sinatra singing Jingle Bells, Jake and Georgie talking in the corner, or Javy getting drinks for him and his girlfriend to your right.

All you could focus on was Bradley. And how warm and soft and strong he felt in your arms and how -

“- Fuck’s sake, Bradshaw. Do you want us to leave or…”

You turned around to face Jake and Georgie, the latter of whom looked beyond embarrassed, and leaned back against Bradley’s chest. Shit - you’d forgotten you had an audience, especially Jake and Javy.

“Sorry…” You felt warm all over at getting caught. Normally, you and Bradley weren’t big on PDA, but you’d been needy lately - both of you had been.

Further down to your right, Javy just chuckled. “Give ‘em a break. You’d be the same if you could hold someone down long enough.” Bradley laughed, while Jake turned beat red.

While him and Javy started chirping at each other, Bradley took your hand and led you out of the kitchen, past all the guests congregating in the dining room and over towards the sitting room.

“Here, I know what’ll cheer you up.”

There were only a couple people in this part of the house - Caroline and Max, Bob and Callie, and Natasha and Rory, the latter of whom had gone with her to the gala back in October. They were a relatively quiet crowd and looked to be captivated by a story Max was telling. But then again, people were always captivated by Max.

“…so I say to Garoppolo, ‘you really wanna get the shit beaten out of you for the second time this week?’ Because a guy who folds in front of the fucking Broncos’ defensive line is not one I think can handle being humiliated like this on - aww, if it isn’t Bradley-Boy and our lovely hostess. Come here and give me a kiss, sweetheart.” You chuckled and started over towards Max. “No, not you, darling. I meant Bradley-Boy.”

With giggles and jeers, everyone turned towards Bradley, who was definitely blushing. But ever the dutiful host, he trudged over towards Max and planted a sloppy kiss on his forehead.

You had met Max over a year ago via your best friend from college, Caroline. Bradley, on the other hand, had met Max in late March at Mission Beach, right before the two of you had started going out.

Since moving back to California, Bradley had taken up surfing again and relished his weekend mornings out in the chilly Pacific. It had taken a couple weeks for the guys to realize they were both regulars and get past the initial head nod greeting, but after that they got on like a house on fire. Despite Max being a typical nepotism baby, VC-firm-bro type and Bradley the outgoing, naval man, they were each other’s best friend.

And to be perfectly honest, you thought they may have been a little in love with each other.

Who knows, maybe you would have been at Bradley and Max’s holiday party if you hadn’t met him in April.

“All good now, peaches?” Bradley teased and then turned to everyone else in their little group. “Just so you know, the story ends with Jimmy G challenging Maxi-Pad to a closest to the pin contest and Max shanking his tee shot.”

You laughed and wrapped your free arm back around Bradley’s waist. “Was this how you planned to cheer me up?”

“Oh, god. What’d you do now, Rooster?” Natasha teased.

“Can I call you ‘Rooster?’” Max asked, much to Caroline’s delight.

“Absolutely fucking not,” Bradley said and then turned towards Natasha. “And nothing, just trying to do everything so can to make sure my girl has a lovely evening.” Everyone let out various sighs and swoons, except Nat and Max, who feigned gagging. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

He grabbed your free hand again and brought you over to the upright piano in the corner, next to where Callie and Bob were lounging on the loveseat. You desperately hoped Bradley was going to play for you - maybe even some Christmas carols. He had such a natural talent for it, even beyond his usual Hard Deck repertoire of that damn Jerry Lee Lewis song. He could play Debussy, Ravel, Schumann - anything, really. You figured he’d start off with Jingle Bells or something like that, but he surprised you with something new.

Bradley’s fingers twinkled out the opening notes to Linus and Lucy and you, and the others in the sitting room, couldn’t help but laugh. He had been right - this did cheer you up. You had always loved the Peanuts.

Growing up, you’d gone to the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa too many times to count. It became your favorite place during your parents’ divorce and you always begged your dad to take you whenever you were having a bad day. But then, when the divorce had been finalized and you, your dad and brother eventually moved down to Berkeley, you didn’t get the opportunity to go as often. But your love for the cartoon characters never died and you had the sneaking suspicion that Bradley had learned the song for you - this was the first time you’d ever heard him play it.

You took a hearty sip of your champagne and leaned your arms on the top of the piano, eventually resting your cheek against your fist. Your cheeks hurt from the massive smile stretching across your face as you looked fondly at Bradley. He was concentrating so hard, his tongue was peeking out of his mouth. And his long, graceful fingers were flying across the keys.

You couldn’t imagine how long it took him to learn this if he was already off book. Did you mention his fingers? His hands? God, they were beautiful. Strong and long and corded - was that the right word? You recalled it from those regency romance novels you had hidden on your Kindle. God, you loved him so much. So fucking much. You’d never loved a person this much before - oh, you were going to miss him so much.

“You two are just like Lucy and Schroeder,” Callie cooed, snapping you out of your thoughts and causing Bradley to fumble a couple of notes. He also was blushing, which was sweet.

A couple more people filtered into the sitting room, drawn in by the music, and soon people were throwing out requests for Bradley to play while others chatted in the background. He took Pete’s suggestion of Jingle Bells and soon played a jazzy version of the song.

While Bradley played, the older man came up to you to chat. Penny couldn’t make it to the party, which was admittedly a bit of a disappointment, but she was hoping to stop by later once things wound down a bit at the Hard Deck.

“Hell of a party, kid.” He toasted you with his beer.

“Thanks, I just wanted to do something nice for Bradley.”

“Pretty sure you could’ve gotten a pizza and he would’ve been happy.”

You considered that. “True, but that hardly sounds fun - plus, this way I could get a new outfit.”

Pete smiled and you both glanced over towards the piano for a moment as Bradley got Natasha and Bob to sing along with him. It was nice seeing them all carefree and happy and just lighter. Bradley glanced over his shoulder at you and winked.

“It’s nice seeing him like this,” Pete said. “Hell, last Christmas it was like pulling teeth to get the kid over to Penny’s for Christmas Eve and to see him get a tree and have people over at his place is just - it makes me really happy. Sorry if that’s corny or -”

“- No,” you reassured him, “well, maybe a little. But corny is good sometimes. Especially around the holidays.”

“You guys gonna do gifts tomorrow or…”

You shook your head. “Nah, we’re gonna do them tonight after everyone leaves.”

Pete took a sip of his beer and nodded. “The kid wouldn’t stop talking about your gift, I swear he told everyone on base.”

You felt yourself heat up and glanced over at Bradley again. “Really?” Pete nodded. “I’m nervous now, we promised we were only doing one present, so I hope he likes mine...”

“He will,” Pete sounded certain. “You think you guys will do this at your place every year? Maybe start a new tradition?”

That was a lovely thought. Celebrating Christmas with Bradley for the next x amount of years. Plus, doing this before Christmas would give everyone the opportunity to get together before the actual holidays.

“Oh, I’d love to,” you gushed, “but it’s Bradley’s call. It’s his house - what?”

Pete cut you off with a look. “Come on, by now you know it’s your house as much as Bradley’s…”

Oh, gosh. You hoped so - one day, at least. The two of you barely spent a night apart, baring whenever one of you was away for work. You barely considered your apartment your home anymore. Instead, it was on the couch in Bradley’s living room, watching TV. Or cooking breakfast together on the weekends and watching Sunday Morning at the kitchen table. Laying beside him in bed at night, his big arms wrapped around you, as you whispered how much you loved each other. You had never felt this way before Bradley, like another person was home.

And you wanted to be home all the time.

You could feel the heat creep up your neck, the warmth only amplified by Bradley’s soothing voice singing Let It Snow.

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Pete apologized, “I just wanted you to know that I can see how much you guys care about each other. And he’s my kid - at the end of the day, I just want him to be happy.” He laid a reassuring hand on your shoulder and you ducked your head before nodding.

Back when you had first met him, you had imagined that gaining Pete’s approval was how you would have felt had Bradley’s parents been alive to give it to you. You thought about them often - more often than you’d ever let Bradley think - and especially as of late. Would they have liked you? Would they have gotten along with your parents? From what you’d been told, they would have made amazing grandparents. Maybe Bradley would even have had more siblings? Maybe, maybe, maybe.

“He makes me really happy, too,” you whispered. Pete pulled you in for a hug and then the two of you just watched Bradley playing for a few moments while the party continued around you two.

“I’m gonna get another beer, you want anything?” Pete asked.

You just shook your head. “Nah, I’m good for now, but thanks again for coming. It means a lot to both of us.”

“Wouldn’t miss it, just make sure the kid doesn’t drink too much. He always gets a little chatty…” And then Pete set off towards the kitchen, leaving you alone, but only for a moment until you heard Max’s voice in the hallway.

“Caro, darling, will you help me with something outside…” You crept over towards him, curious to see what he was up to and why he needed Caro’s help.

Caroline didn’t even look up from her phone. “I’m not giving you a handjob, darling.”

“Oh, please don’t,” you drawled, alerting them both to your presence, “Mr. Harrington already thinks we’re delinquents, can’t have him thinking we associate with them, too,” you said referring to your - no, Bradley’s neighbor.

Mr. Harrington hadn’t exactly called you and Bradley delinquents - rather, he had called you a fresh young lady after you had unknowingly flipped him off at an intersection in another neighborhood, only to find out that he was the crotchety old man that lived next door to Bradley. He had been waiting for you in the driveway when you’d gotten home a few minutes later, demanding to talk to Bradley about you. But the old man hadn’t stood a chance with you and Bradley had just stood on the porch with a proud smile on his face as you gave him a piece of your mind. Since then, he’d just pass silent judgment whenever he saw you outside.

Max held up two fingers. “I’ll be on my best behavior, Scout’s honor.”

“It’s three fingers, dumbass.”

He breezed past you and started towards the door, gesturing for Caroline to follow him. “Good thing I was never a Boy Scout then…”

“Please, Max. Just tell me if you’re going to -”

“- Secrets, secrets are only fun unless you don’t share with anyone -”

“- That’s not even how it goes!”

Max shrugged and grabbed Caroline’s hand, pulling her close to his side. “It’ll be fun, we promise! Plus, maybe Max won’t even come back to the party…”

Oh, he was definitely doing the Santa thing. But at this point, maybe it would be fun and memorable? And maybe you were just drunk enough to let it happen.

“Fine, fine. As long as Max doesn’t come back to the party, you can do whatever you have planned -”

Max cut you off with a sloppy kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, love. Now, Caro! Your assistance, please!”

You waved them off towards the front door and made your way back to the sitting room where Bradley was taking requests for his next song.

His eyes were scanning the room for whom you realized was you and a great, big smile spread across his face. “Nah, I got one already. Just needed my girl in here for this.” You chuckled and walked over towards the piano. “Figured we had to end on a high note, plus I heard a rumor Santa’s coming…”

There were hoots and hollers throughout the room, which didn’t let up even as Bradley played the first notes of the song he apparently needed you for assistance.

“I’ll sing the first few lines, but then you gotta take over, alright, sweetheart?”

You sat next to him on the narrow bench and giggled, not quite knowing what he had up his sleeve, but more than ready to go along for the ride. “You got it, rocketman.”

Bradley pecked you on the lips and then turned to the room as he played.

“I really can’t stay…baby, it’s cold outside…I’ve got to go ‘way…baby, it’s cold outside…”

Oh god.

---------------

Hours later, after all your guests had left, fuller and far drunker than they’d been when they’d arrived, you and Bradley were tidying up the living room. The dishwasher was rumbling in the kitchen, the first of many loads you’d have to do tonight and tomorrow, but it was drowned out by the music still playing on the Sonos, while the extra food had been put away in the fridge.

From your spot across the room where you were fluffing the couch cushions, you glanced over towards Bradley. He sat, leaning against the chaise lounge, and idly sipped from a bottle of champagne that he kept putting down on the floor - though on a coaster, mind you. His hair was perfectly tousled and messy and he had a pleased smile on his face as he stared at the Christmas tree in front of him. His right hand was absentmindedly running up and down his thigh, just begging for you to ride it.

You joined him on the floor and he wordlessly passed the bottle of champagne to you before throwing his arm around your shoulders.

“You did good, kid,” he said suddenly.

A smile lit up your face. “Really?” Brady chuckled at your earnestness. “You’re not just saying that because this is like the first halfway decent party you’ve ever -”

“- Hey! I’ve been to plenty of decent parties! But I think - I think that this might be the best one yet.”

As a reward for his sweetness, you gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You think everyone got along? I only overheard one argument between Caro and Jake.” And it had been over the latest cryptocurrency scandal of all things.

“Yeah, but to be fair, I think trauma bonding over your singing really brought everyone together.”

You were not as bad as Bradley had said - at the very least, you could carry a tune. Granted, you wouldn’t be on the Voice anytime soon, but if you were an SNL cast member and needed to sing for a sketch, you might be okay. And no one really focused on the actual singing during Baby It’s Cold Outside - it wasn’t exactly the paragon of Christmas songs or social norms.

But it was just about the perfect duet, in that it was a crowd pleaser, a little slutty, and campy as hell. And as it so happened, you had been feeling a little slutty with all the champagne you had drunk throughout the evening. Plus, with Bradley on the keys and no one else sober enough to make fun of your less than stellar singing skills, you had been a glutton for attention. You had used your champagne coupe as a microphone and had only spilled a couple drops - at first.

“- But baby, it's cold outside -”

“ - This welcome has been -”

“ - How lucky that you dropped in -”

“ - So nice and warm -”

“ - Look out the window at that storm -”

“ - My sister will be suspicious -”

“ - Gosh, your lips look delicious -” Bradley kissed your proffered hand and you shimmied around the piano bench, eventually draping yourself over his shoulders while he continued playing.

Would you regret it in the morning? Probably. Did the song have a weird history? Yes. But it was your goddamn Christmas party! And you had wanted to have fun and fawn over your boyfriend. It had also been a good distraction from what you had correctly assumed was Max planning to crash the party as Santa with a sleigh full of presents for everyone. But Max was richer than Croesus; he could afford it.

“Come on, Bradshaw. How’s she been this year? Naughty or nice?”

You shot Bradley a glance, curious as to what his answer would be. But he just smiled wryly and toasted Max with his drink before taking a sip.

You closed the distance between the two of you and whispered in his ear, “Clever boy…”

He grabbed your ass, thankfully out of sight of your guests. “My smart girl…”

“Is that what you want me to be tonight?”

Frankly, you had been shocked Bradley hadn’t kicked everyone out then and there.

But now you were cozy and tired in all the best ways and had Bradley to yourself for the rest of the evening. You burrowed your face into his chest and pressed a couple kisses to the column of his neck, suddenly desperate to touch him. It seemed Bradley was of the same mindset and carefully settled you on his lap. Your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling you closer and you shifted your attention to his lips.

Somehow, the two of you wound up laying on the floor at the edge of the Christmas tree. The soft lights made Bradley’s brown eyes appear like pools of chocolate and you flushed. He groaned as you rolled your hips against his lap, already feeling the bulge forming in his jeans. Shit - were you going to fuck underneath the Christmas tree? Like properly fuck on the floor underneath the Christmas tree.

You started grinding against him, desperate to be closer, and then kissed along his neck in the hopes of leaving a reminder of this night for him. You peered up at the Christmas tree, lost in the beauty of the moment, when you suddenly noticed something.

The presents.

The presents under the tree.

The three presents under the tree.

Except…

There were only supposed to be two presents under the tree. One from each of you. You had been very clear about that right after Thanksgiving. Had even set a price limit.

Fuck. Oh, no. No, no, no. You pulled back and Bradley chased your lips with his own.

“Bubs! We said one present each!”

He shrugged underneath you and kept rubbing his hands in soothing circles on your hips. “It’s nothing - well, it’s not nothing. But it’s just something I’ve been thinking about for a while and I figured this would be a good time.”

“But - but I only got you one!”

Oh god - oh god. You ruined it. You ruined Bradley’s Christmas. You knew you should’ve gotten him that Otis Redding vinyl, too. But a Theragun? What had you been thinking? That was such a dumb gift. So impersonal, so boring, so basic. It was on three different gift guides from the Strategist for fuck’s sake. You figured it would be good for his back while he was deployed, you knew it had been giving him a lot of trouble lately. But now that Bradley had given you two gifts? In two separate boxes?

You didn’t think the ornament you’d gotten him counted as a separate gift. Tacking it onto the box was just something your family had always done.

Clearly noticing the panic on your face, Bradley sat up slightly. “Hey, hey. It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s -”

“- I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to ruin everything. I knew I should’ve had a back up present for you-”

He said your name firmly and you looked up at him. “- You didn’t ruin anything, alright? Hey, why don’t you open it first and then we can talk about it, okay?”

“Okay…”

You reached out for the present like it was going to explode, barely even taking notice of how nicely it had been wrapped. (Granted, you were still you, so you did actually notice, but probably would have fawned over the quaint wrapping paper and grosgrain ribbon a bit more had you not already been wigging out.) Next to you, Bradley bit his lip as he watched you peel through the paper. Why was he so nervous? He always gave you the best presents.

At first, there was nothing but a small gift box. It wasn’t terribly heavy. And it definitely wasn’t jewelry. Mainly because any of the jewelry you actually would have liked was definitely not within the spending limit, which Bradley knew. But also, it just didn’t feel like jewelry. It couldn’t have been an ornament, he wouldn’t have been this nervous.

So, what the fuck was it?

You slid your finger underneath the flap of the box and popped the lid open. But then there was the tissue paper. Goddamnit, Bradley! Why was he so good at wrapping presents! You glanced up at him only to see that he was blushing. Properly blushing. Like pink neck, pink cheeks - hell, even the tips of his ears were pink - blushing.

Unable to take the suspense a moment longer, you dove into the tissue paper to find -

“- A key?” Your fingers gently picked up the offending object, only belatedly noticing that the key fob matched your favorite work tote bag.

Bradley nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been wanting to ask you to move in with me for ages, it’s just we had so much time until it would become an issue, but then I got deployed and I know your lease will just about be up by the time I get back in the spring. So, I figured now would be a good time to ask if you wanted to move in with me? But if you think it’s too soon, I can totally wait. However long it takes for you to be comfortable with it is fine with me - I just want to have my life with you.”

“Bubs…” your voice was thick. “I uhh -”

“- I always want to come home to you - if you’ll have me?”

Oh god, oh god, oh god. You let out a disbelieving laugh. You would have Bradley Bradshaw in any way you could get him. He was your home.

You wiped away a wayward tear. “Bradley, this is - this is so unbelievably perfect. Yes, yes, I will move with you.”

He surged forward to kiss you and you temporarily forgot all your previous worries because Bradley wanted to move in with you. He wanted to share furniture and go grocery shopping for food that would go in the same fridge. He wanted to wake up beside you every single morning and come home to you every single evening and go to sleep beside you every single night. He wanted everything. And that’s what you wanted to give him.

“God, I love you so much.”

You never got tired of hearing him say that. “I love you, too. Sorry I made such a big deal about the presents…”

“No, I’m sorry. I should’ve just put it in with the other gift, I get how it could have thrown you off.”

He was being nice and not pushing it for the moment, which you really appreciated. “Say, why don’t you open your gift from me and then I’ll open your other one?”

You crawled over towards the other two presents under the tree and gave the one that said to; rocketman to Bradley, while you took the other one with your name on it. It was decently sized and relatively light. The thing with Bradley that always made you nervous was that he gave the best presents.

For your birthday, he had not only organized a trip for the two of you out to Catalina Island, but he had also learned how to fucking sail Penny’s boat, so he could be the one to take you there himself. He had been so excited and had looked so cute in his white linen pants and navy blue button down and you swore you had never been more attracted to him.

And then, for your six month anniversary, he had somehow gotten you two into Addison out in Carmel Valley for dinner and then followed that up with a trip to the drive-in to see a special showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Though to be fair, neither of you had paid as much attention to the movie as you had been too busy necking each other in the backseat of the Bronco.

In short, he was a prince among men. Well, except when he wasn’t. But that wasn’t often. So, you were excited, but wary to open his gift, knowing nothing could possibly top the house key.

You tore through the wrapping paper to find another box similar to the one from earlier, except this one was heavier. Beneath the tissue paper laid a thick white envelope and an apron in a Liberty pattern. Your smile grew as you opened the envelope and saw that Bradley had gifted you cooking lessons for the next three months.

“Bubs.” You nudged his shoulder. “This is perfect, thank you. The apron is super cute, too.”

Bradley chuckled. “Now you can stop wearing mine and hopefully stop burning risotto -”

“- It was one time!”

“Yeah and you almost burned down your apartment.” You made a face and he made one right back before turning serious. “But I thought it would be nice, something for you to do while I’m gone.”

You kissed his cheek. “I’m excited and I’m gonna make you the best dinner you’ve ever had when you come home to me, alright?”

“It’s a date.”

“Perfect, now open yours!” You pushed the present towards him.

Bradley was one of those people that opened presents like they were going to save the wrapping paper, which meant he did it slowly and purposefully. This normally didn’t bother you, but you were already a little on edge from earlier and had to sit on your hands to stop you from ripping the paper off yourself.

First, he took off the little ornament you had affixed to the package. Harkening back to your first date, you had gotten him a Saturn V Rocket ornament to add to the tree, giving your rocketman something to aspire to.

He shook his head. “I’ll get there one day, sweetheart…” he said fondly. “Now let’s see what we have here.”

The nerves settled in your stomach again and you barely let him unwrap the present before you jumped on him with an explanation.

“Wait, is this one of those -”

“ - It’s a Theragun. I know I make fun of you for having a sore back and being old a lot, but I thought this could help when you’re deployed and I’m not around to tend to your every need,” you teased.

Bradley conceded a nod. “You do give good back massages…” You preened. “But I get these ads on my Instagram all the time, so this is perfect, thank you.”

“I figured it wasn’t something you’d buy for yourself and it’ll come in hand -”

“- I bet it’s a wicked strong vibrator - owww!”

“Bradley!” You giggled. Holy shit, you hadn’t even thought of that. There were like five different speeds on that thing and six different attachments. Fuck. “In that case, maybe I should keep it…”

“You wouldn’t dare.” He slid the box behind his back and you crawled over to steal it away from him.

But before you could wrap your arms around him, Bradley pulled you into his lap and eventually the Theragun was pushed away and the two of you were sprawled out on the floor making out like a bunch of horny teenagers again.

Goddamn - you really were gonna fuck underneath the Christmas tree, weren’t you? Now that would be the perfect memory for Bradley to take with him. Festive and fun and spontaneous.

His hands felt sinful as they crept up your thighs. It was like he was mapping out the slowest route to his destination, especially as they cupped your ass and ground your body against his. Suddenly, you let out a hiss as your elbow hit the hardwood floor, but quickly reassured Bradley that you were okay once he stopped to check in with you.

He whispered your name. “I need you so badly.”

“- Fuck, me too. Want you to take me right here -”

“- Owww,” Bradley let out a groan against your lips.

You immediately pulled back, concern lacing your features. “Shit, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just - I don’t think we should do this on the floor?”

“But it’s very spur of the moment?” You glanced around the living room, past the Christmas tree and the wrapping paper from your respective presents. “What about the couch?”

“We just got it dry-cleaned - again.”

You sat further back on his lap and Bradley propped himself up on his elbows. Your wrap dress draped prettily over your bare thighs. “We can put a towel down?”

“Isn’t it upstairs?”

You made a face. “I could go get it? Or we could break out a new one?”

“Then I might as well come upstairs with you -”

“- But I want it to be spontaneous!”

He rolled his hips and you sighed. “We can be spontaneous upstairs…”

“Yeah, but…” You could feel the tears starting to form and your throat closing up.

Bradley tried to get in your line of sight after you ducked your head. “Hey, what is it? It’s alright.”

You sniffled. “I just want you to have some good memories before you leave and be spontaneous - especially since during the party I was pretty stressed and uptight -” The last word came out bitterly, but Bradley didn’t let you finish your sentence.

“- Hey, none of that, alright? I knew you were a little stressed, but just chalked it up to the party. What’s really going on, sweetheart?”

You wanted to tell him. That you were going to miss him and wanted him to be able to think of the two of you doing all these fun and exciting and wonderful things before he left. That you didn’t want him to think of you crying and puffy eyed and sad. That you didn’t want him to think of you having sex in your bed, like any other night, but how you couldn’t even make it upstairs because you needed each other so much, so desperately and had to make due with the living room floor.

Just say you were tired. Just say you were tired.

But when Bradley took your hand and threaded your fingers together and started drawing circles across your palm, the tears came. And came and came and didn’t stop. You rubbed at your eyes with your free hand and repositioned yourself to lay beside him.

“Hey, hey. It’s okay, come here.” Bradley wrapped his arm around your shoulders and let you rest your head on his chest. “Shh, shh, it’s okay, honey.”

Once the tears slightly abated, you took in a deep breath to ground yourself. “I wanted everything to be perfect for you since you’re not going to be home for Christmas and all this stuff went wrong -”

“- Sweetheart, baby, no, no. It didn’t go wrong, everything went really really right.”

“Really?” you whispered.

Bradley chuckled. “Yeah, best Christmas I’ve had since - fuck, I can’t remember when. Come here.” He wrapped his arms around you.

“I know it was dumb to be worried about it - and to let myself get upset over it - but I think I was just so focused on the party and the presents and making everything perfect because I don’t want to think too much about you leaving.” You sniffled. “And I feel like that makes me seem childish or like I can’t handle this - your job, I mean. But I’m really just going to miss you, so fucking much. And I’ve never felt like this before.”

The look in Bradley’s eyes after you unloaded all that made you feel ten times lighter and you regretted not saying anything earlier.

“Sweetheart…” He tucked your hair behind your ear. “It’s definitely not dumb to be worried about stuff like that and I know you can handle all of this - I’m not worried in that respect. I just want you to know how much I appreciated every single thing you’ve done for me these last couple weeks trying to make sure I had a good Christmas. And I know it’s cliche to say, but it’s the goddamn truth - I don’t care what we do for Christmas as long as I get to spend it at home with you, alright?”

Your heart soared and you felt the tears forming again at his words. I don’t care what we do for Christmas as long as I get to spend it at home with you. Because in the end, that was all that really mattered. You just kept your reply simple. “Alright, rocketman.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” You kissed him again. “I love you so much, bubs.”

“Even though I’m old and don’t think we should fuck on the living room floor?”

You chuckled at his attempt to bring some levity into an otherwise heavy conversation. “Yes, Bradley. I love you even though you wouldn’t let me fuck you on the living room floor…”

This time, Bradley pulled you closer, so your body was spread out on top of him and kissed you, licking your bottom lip before opening your mouth up to him. His hands snuck underneath the skirt of your silk dress, skirting the edge of your panties. You sighed. His hands were calloused and a little rough, but they still touched you like you were the most precious thing in the world.

“Hold up, I never said I wouldn’t let you, I just said I don’t think - hey!” Bradley tried to fend off your tickle attack, but could only get a few words out between his giggles. “Stop, you know I’m old!”

Your ridiculously handsome, thirty-six year old, naval aviator boyfriend was giggling on the floor of your house because your were tickling his sides. If only you could show this version of Bradley to the Navy - maybe then they wouldn’t take him away from you at Christmas. Stupid US Military Industrial Complex. Fucking Lockheed Martin.

“Also, are you still upset that I got you two presents? Because if you are, can I just make you come once tonight? Level the field.”

You giggled. “Shut up.” Your kiss cut off any reply he had been about to give and you licked his bottom lip, coaxing open his mouth.

“Uh, uh, uh.” You paused and tilted your head slightly to look Bradley in the eye. “Now, what did Santa ask earlier, huh? You been naughty or nice this year?”

There were two ways in which this could play out - with two different, though ultimately satisfying results. One would play out relatively quickly - and the other would ensure you were occupied all night.

“Nice?”

Bradley clicked his tongue. “Don’t know about that…”

“Why not? Haven’t I been good?” You pouted, completely exaggerated, which Bradley picked up on in an instant.

“Good girls don’t typically have to ask if they’ve been good…”

“Maybe I don’t want to be good tonight…”

Bradley sucked in a breath as you snuck your hand underneath his shirt and teased the waistband of his jeans. His skin was hot to the touch beneath your fingers as you unbuttoned his shirt. You leaned forward to press little butterfly kisses to his neck and gradually made your way down past the little tufts of hair on his chest.

“Please touch me, sweetheart. Please.”

There was a carnal need inside you to mark his skin. To give him proof of your love and need for him, so that he could look at the marks in the mirror until they faded. A kiss across his neck, a soft bite on his shoulder, another on his bicep by his tattoo. You’re mine. Mine, mine, mine. And I want everyone to know.

“God, Bradley. You’re so beautiful,” you whispered against his skin. “So beautiful and all mine.”

Bradley let out a whine as your teeth grazed against the sensitive flesh on his neck. “Fuck, I love you.”

His hands inched up your thighs, getting closer to the throbbing heat between your legs. Maybe it was the festive spirit, the fact that Bradley had asked you to move in with him, or that he was shipping out in 28 hours for three months, but you were pathetically wet already. Desperate and needy and as naughty as he had joked earlier.

“I can feel the heat pouring off you, sweetheart.”

“Can we go - ahhh - can we go upstairs, please?”

He pulled back slightly. “What happened to fucking on the living room floor?” he teased.

“Don’t want to fuck up your old man back anymore - Bradley!” you cried out as he smacked your ass.

“Old man, huh?” His smile was sinful and you were putty in his hands.

You widened your eyes, trying to appear contrite. “Sorry, sir. It won’t happen - Bradley!” He cut you off again, but this time because he was tickling your sides and your giggles made it impossible to speak. “Ta-take me upstairs, bubs - please. Don’t - don’t want you to hold back.”

“Now how could I refuse that?”

Gradually, the two of you made your way upstairs to the bedroom, though with a couple of breaks in between for Bradley to press you up against the walls and on the staircase. You’d have bruises tomorrow, you were sure. But you wanted them to last - to be something to remember this night by for the weeks and months to come.

You landed heavily on the bed, bouncing slightly, and peered up at Bradley. His bare chest was rising and falling steadily with each breath he took as he looked you over, like he was trying to memorize you.

Without breaking eye contact, you rose to your knees and pulled at the pretty little bow tying your wrap dress. Hours ago, you’d felt self conscious about your body in front of everyone else, but at that moment you felt like the most beautiful girl in the world. Bradley’s eyes widened as he took in the way you slowly pushed the silk dress off your shoulders, leaving you only in your burgundy bra and panties. It wasn’t exactly a matching set, but the colors matched and that was enough for the two of you that night.

“God, you’re gorgeous.”

Bradley lunged forward, causing you to fall back against the pillows and you wrapped your legs around his hips with a gleeful cry, which he promptly cut off with his lips.

After spending ample time just kissing you and running his hands up and down your body, Bradley lavished attention on your breasts, licking and biting and sucking on them like a man possessed. Your nipples were peaked to attention, thanks to the slight chill in the bedroom and his thorough ministrations. With one hand, he paid special attention to the skin just below your nipple, rubbing his middle finger along the tender flesh while thumbing at the raised bud. Meanwhile, his other hand kept trekking downward towards your clit.

“Oh god!” you cried out against his lips as he slid his fingers inside you and crooked them just right.

“So fucking wet, sweetheart.”

Fuck. You could feel yourself clenching around him, desperate for something more. You were needy for him that night. Needy to have your boyfriend all to yourself. To give yourself to him completely. Your orgasm was well and truly building up inside you, but you wanted to come on his cock first. There would be plenty more opportunities that night to come apart in other ways.

You’d work him all through the night if you had to just to get your fix before he left. The thought made you desperate.

“Bu-bubs, please. I need more - need your cock inside me.” You pulled him closer, grazing your thighs against his throbbing cock.

Bradley groaned. “Such a needy fucking thing, bucking against my fingers like that, huh?” You whined. “But I’m gonna fuck you nice and slow, yeah. Make sure you savor it.”

It sounded fucking sinful the way your cunt was sucking in Bradley’s fingers. He’d begun scissoring them inside you so as to not have to remove them just yet.

More. More. More. You chanted the words mindlessly in your head. Mine. Mine. Mine.

Finally, he pulled out his fingers and shamelessly dried them off on your breasts. “You ready?” You nodded frantically. “Don’t think either of us is gonna last long.”

No, you didn’t think so either. But you didn’t want to prolong this. You needed to be close to him and to know he was real and good and yours. At least for tonight.

Knowing each other as you did, you raised your hips slightly, letting Bradley to slip inside you. You both moaned, you loving the stretch and him loving the tight warmth. You wrapped your arm around his neck, bringing his lips closer to yours, but not daring to lean in those final few centimeters to touch, and instead just breathed against each other.

“Fuck,” you rasped against his lips, “I love you.”

“Love you so much.” He snapped his hips against yours and you cried out. “Gonna miss you.”

You ducked your head to swipe your lips across the scar on his neck. “Can’t wait for you to come home to me.”

Home. Home. Home. Bradley wouldn’t just be coming back to San Diego in three months: he would be coming home - to you. And to this great, big, beautiful house he wanted to share with you. And to the life he wanted to share with you.

He groaned your name. “I’ve wanted this for so long. Can’t believe it’s happening.”

Tears pricked your eyes and you bridged the gap to kiss him. “Bubs, I’m so close, please.”

“Tell me how to get you there? I wanna wait for you.”

If he kept saying things like that, you wouldn’t be too far behind. Without breaking eye contact, you brought Bradley’s hand down to your clit and he played with the sensitive nub. You keened against his hand, which was coupled with a particularly deep thrust of his cock. You felt that coil in your belly finally unraveling.

“‘M close, feels so good. Again…”

He repeated the action again and again, telling you how gorgeous you were as you took his cock and how much he loved you and needed you and you felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Because for tonight you were.

With a strangled cry of his name, you came and true to his word, Bradley followed shortly after. Fuck. He felt so good. He made you feel so good, so full, so loved.

“Good girl, such a good girl for me.” He peppered kisses up and down your neck and across your cheeks, before settling on your lips. The two of you sat there like that for a few moments, trying to even out your breathing and be as close together as possible.

But eventually Bradley had to pull out and you whimpered at the loss. He settled you back against the pillows and then started cleaning you up with the towel in his nightstand. Before he got to your still leaking cunt, he scooped up some of your cum with his fingers and brought it to your lips.

“Open.” You did so without a second thought and cleaned off his fingers, getting high off the taste of the two of you mixed together. “Good girl.”

Then you let yourself get settled underneath the covers. You could go to the bathroom in a few minutes because right now you wanted to be with Bradley. Your bodies were both hot and sticky underneath the white sheets, but you couldn’t think of anywhere else you wanted to be than in his arms.

“I’m gonna miss you so much, bubs.” You cupped his cheek tenderly, like he would disappear at any moment. A nagging little voice at the back of your mind said that he would, in fact, do just that - on Monday morning. But that night he was yours.

Bradley nuzzled your hand, eventually pressing a kiss to your palm. “It’s not too long, just three months.”

“Three months without you.” Kiss. “Without your singing.” Kiss. “Your cooking.” Kiss. “Your smile and your silly little mustache.” Kiss. Kiss. “Three months without you, rocketman.”

Your eyes were swimming with tears, but they were properly dripping down Bradley’s cheeks.

“But we still have tonight.”

You still had tonight. And you’d be in each other’s arms till the morning light.

---------------

Two weeks later, as you sat in your childhood bedroom on Christmas Eve, you were at once hit with a startling realization: it wasn’t your home anymore. It hadn’t been in years, really. Not since you’d officially moved out after college. But that fact had never been so apparent until you were waiting for the Facetime call to connect to Bradley.

Your home was in San Diego with your friends and your job. Your home was with your boyfriend, snuggled up on the couch watching TV, perusing the aisles of the farmer’s market, watching him surf, and cooking dinner together. Your home was with Bradley.

And you just wanted to be home - you just wanted Bradley.

You had put on a brave face during Christmas Eve celebrations with your family - at least with your extended family. You had sung carols at church, helped Mary and your dad prep and lay out all the traditional Christmas Eve dishes, organized the Yankee Swap with your brother and Lauren, and had a few too many cocktails with your cousins. But as the last of your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins had left and your dad had turned on NBC for the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, you had lost it.

Properly, honestly, well and truly lost it. As in fat tears streaming down your face, snot clogging your nose, remnants of your mascara rimmed around your eyes lost it.

Goddamn Harry Bailey got to come home in time for Christmas! Harry got to toast to his “big brother George: the richest man in town.” Granted, George had basically just tried to kill himself, so the comparison wasn’t perfect - but still! Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Navy pilot Harry Bailey got to be home for Christmas! Why couldn’t Bradley? Fucking Navy. Fucking stupid US Military Industrial Complex. Fucking Lockheed Martin.

At the sight of your tears, Mary had just opened up her blanket and let you burrow against her side as she rubbed your back like she used to when you were a kid, while your dad had gotten you a cup of Sleepytime Tea. Eventually, once you had calmed down enough and they had said all the right words to soothe your heartache, you had kissed your dad and Mary goodnight - Mary had hugged you a bit tighter than usual - and they both had told you to give Bradley their best during your Facetime call.

They liked Bradley - a lot, actually. Of course, they’d given him a tough time when they first talked on the phone all those months ago, but by the time Bradley officially met them at Thanksgiving, it was like he’d known them for years. He just fit.

He loved to talk to Mary about her history classes at Berkeley and how her students were doing. He had the same sense of humor as your dad and also loved the Patriots despite their recent offensive coordinator troubles.

He just made you lighter and made things lighter. He fit.

And you could only hope that one year he’d be able to come up to Berkeley with you to celebrate for the holidays instead of being all alone on an aircraft carrier somewhere in the Pacific. Fucking Navy. Fucking stupid US Military Industrial Complex. Fucking Lockheed Martin.

Shit! The call was finally connecting. You felt tears in your eyes as you finally got to see your beautiful boy again. Though the picture was a little grainy, Bradley was sitting in what looked like one of the quiet rooms in your office, clad in his green flight suit. And he had the most wonderful smile on his face at the sight of you.

“Hey, sweetheart. Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas, bubs,” you said, hoping your voice didn’t come out as thickly over Facetime as it did in your room.

For what felt like the longest time, but was probably only a few seconds, you stared at each other, just drinking in the other’s face. Bradley already looked tired. This was your first Facetime since he’d left two weeks ago. Normally, you talked over email - which was actually kind of fun.

Early on in your relationship during a one week special detachment, you had unironically sent him a pretty formal email to check in:

Bradley,

Hope you’re settling in well. Let me know when it would be a good time to connect via FaceTime. I can put some time on my calendar whenever you’re free. I’m heading to an off-site in Raleigh on Thursday, so I’ll be on East Coast time.

Miss you and stay safe,

It had even been from your PwC email address, which he never let you forget. But soon quasi-formal emails became your thing. They probably set off a bunch of red flags to the censor team and you had never sent one from your work email again, but it was fun. You’d even thought of a couple code words and phrases to use.

“You have a good night? How’s your dad and Mary? Tell them thanks again for the package.”

Your parents had had the idea to send everything they normally would have put in Bradley’s Christmas stocking to him on the carrier. He had emailed the three of you a picture of the package, received in perfect condition, on his bunk yesterday. You two had decided that he would open it while you were on your FaceTime call. It wasn’t anything particularly special, except for two small gifts you’d snuck in before bringing it to the post office, but you were excited and could tell Bradley was too.

You held your breath as he parsed through the Dr.Jart sheet masks, Churchill cigars, various Christmas themed candies, new electric toothbrush heads, and scratch cards until he got to the bottom of the stack where your two special presents were hidden.

“Now, what’s this?” He shot you a teasing glance as he opened the envelope.

You remained tight lipped, just glad it hadn’t been opened by Naval mail security. Bradley slid the object out of the envelope and you could see his eyes widen, even over Facetime, as he realized what it was before he promptly turned it over and glanced around even though there was no one else in the room with him.

“Shit - how’d you - how’d you take this?” He leaned back in his chair and stared at it, clearly a little in awe.

You felt your cheeks heating up. “Well, I know you have a couple on your phone, but figured an old fashioned one might be nice too - especially if you’re in a tech blackout or whatever it’s called. But do you really like it - seriously, you don’t have -”

“- No, I love it. You’re not getting this back from me.” You giggled. “But you gotta tell me how you managed to get the Polaroid in the shower with you and still get the soapy titties in the picture?”

“Can’t tell you everything, now can I?”

(Caroline had taken them for you. It truly had been a bonding experience and was honestly not half as sexy as Bradley was probably thinking. But you just smiled - more than content to keep that a secret from him.)

“Well, it is very much appreciated. So, thank you, I love it, seriously.”

You tried to peer into the box from halfway across the world. “There should be one more thing in there from me - and you don’t have to use it, but I know something similar always makes me feel like you’re right next to me…”

Bradley gingerly unwrapped the final tissue paper package only to reveal a travel sized bottle of your perfume. You giggled, watching him spritz his wrist and breathe in the scent.

“Fuck…I’ve missed that.”

You rested your cheek against your fist and just watched him. For a minute, it felt like he was right in front of you. It made you want to do something terribly cliche like hold your palm up against the screen and imagine you could feel the heat from his hand as he did the same thing back.

But instead Bradley just smiled at you and asked you all about your Christmas Eve activities.

So, you told him about sneaking outside to smoke with your cousins, drinking too much champagne, eating too much food made from your grandma’s recipes from the old country, getting an actually good gift in the Yankee Swap, and crying over Harry Bailey. And he just listened and smiled and asked questions at all the right parts and kept telling you how much he would have loved to do all that beside you next year.

And then with your remaining five minutes of calltime, Bradley told you all the goings on aboard the ship and how he and Bob and Reuben were doing and about the fancy dinner and breakfast planned for tomorrow.

But then the dreaded countdown clock on the side of the screen popped up, signaling you had thirty seconds left. By then, both of you had tears in your eyes as you tried to say goodbye until your next call.

“So, we’ll talk in two weeks, okay? Should be just after New Year’s, but keep emailing me. I love reading them when I get the chance.”

You wiped a stray tear from your eye. “Of course, I’ll give you a full Christmas morning breakdown.”

Bradley chuckled, but seemed to glance at the countdown clock and sobered up. “I love you, I love you so much and I’m so happy I get to come home to you, sweetheart.”

“I love you, too. Merry Christmas, bubs. Please come home.”

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a/n: sorry it took me so fucking long to write again, but a girl can only be so self indulgent! merry christmas, this taglist is shit sorry!

Taglist: @sunderlust @seasonsbloom @ticklish-leafy-plant @lass-that-is-gone @katcoquette @daniellef89x @double-j @bradshawswife @hufflepuffprincesse @cloudycluster @sithbelova @mavencalorers @fav-rooster-fics @thebeautifullydamnedone @unordinare @callsignvalley @pricklepearbloom @browneyedboys @cherrycola27 @whatblogisthis216 @agentofkrypton @lcahwriter @kyliesalvatore @noellreadfiction @coyotesamachado @heartsofminds @jocsrecs @notroosterbradshaw @roosterforme @iblogtopassthetime @karateperson @nessrin @frenchtoastix @piceous21 @princessphilly @spideyngwen @mrsjobarnes @calmpunker @softspiderling @feralforfrank @fivsecondsflat @sexualparkour @greenorangevioletgrass @sexygaypalpatine @moonyscardigans @carousallie @liveholland @supernaturaldawning @melancholyy-hill @currentlybradshaw @summ3rlotus @seesaw-jk @roostereads @milestomaverick @some-lovely-day @steadfastconviction @sometimesanalice @jupitercomet @rae-gar-targaryen @oncasette @whisperofsong @call-sign-jinx @howdysebby

#bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley and smart aleck #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradley x reader #top gun smut #bradley fic #y’all i’m so tired and if this doesn’t show up in the tag i’m suing!!#hello december playlist challenge

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callsign-dexter · 7 months

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Whisper in the Wind Pt. 2

Summary: The air show is now over and it's getting closer to New Year's. Natasha takes Ben’s offer to stay with him for the nights leading up to New Year's. Now they'll get a chance to actually know each other better.

Pairings: Natasha Trace x OC!Benjamin Bradshaw, Natasha Trace x Daughter!Reader, OC!Benjamin Bradshaw x Daughter!Reader, Bradley Bradshaw x OC!Wife!Leah Winters

Warnings: fluff

Whisper in the Wind

Masterlist

Part 1 Part 2

The night ended fast, and before Natasha knew it, she was following Benjamin Bradshaw to his house to spend New Year's Eve and then New Year's Day with the Bradshaw family. She just kept thinking about the days she spent with Ben, and that brought a smile to her face. She would never admit it out loud she was in love, but boy, was she in love. Natasha just kept thinking about her future and how she couldn't see it without Ben in it.

She only came out of her thoughts when Ben pulled into his driveway and she pulled in right after. She could get used to this, coming home to him and just being with him sounded heavenly. Natasha sat there for a few minutes until a knock on her window brought her out of her daydream. She looked over and saw that it was Ben and she smiled. She opened the door and got out. "Did I lose you?" He asked with a chuckle and she shook her head.

"No. I was just thinking." She said and he smirked.

"About what?" He asked

"You, us. How I could get very used to this." She said and he smiled and leaned down and pecked her lips.

"Good because I could get used to it too." He said "Come on. Let's get inside." He said and she smiled and nodded. She was going to get her bags but Ben beat her to it. She's never had anyone do that for her before. She followed him into his house and was in awe at how decorative it was and clean. Ben had a bunch of stuff from his military career around the place and tons of pictures, mostly of the family. The door was closed behind her and then was walking further into the house. It smelled just like Ben. It had a cinnamon apple smell and it was intoxicating to Natasha. She never smelt anything more sweeter than him. "Help yourself to anything. I'm gonna put these in the spare room." He said and she nodded and then he disappeared upstairs.

It was a very cute house. It suited Ben just perfectly. She walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge and found it well stocked with food and beer. She smiled and grabbed two beers and opened them. She took a drink out of one and when Ben joined her in the kitchen she gave the other to him. "I love this house." She said and smiled and chuckled.

"I do too but there is a house that I've been looking at in San Diego and it's just perfect. It has all hardwood floors. The front of the house is pretty much rock instead of brick and it just feels homey." He said and she nodded.

"I've seen that house. It's so beautiful." She said and he nodded.

"It has a big backyard. Big enough if a pool was put in then there would still be plenty of yard." He said "It's a little further away from people but you still have neighbors but they're not gonna be suffocating you like the ones here." He added. They continued talking about houses and life when all of a sudden Ben stood up "Are you hungry? I know I am." He said and the laughed.

"I could go for some food." She said and he smiled and disappeared into the kitchen. She got up and looked around the living room noticing all the pictures. She stopped at one in particular. It was one of him, Bradley, Goose, Carole, and Maverick. Maverick was carrying Bradley and Ben was tucked into Goose's side, his arm was around his back and Goose's arm that wasn't around Carole was thrown over his shoulder. She didn't know how long she was looking at it until Ben's voice came through.

"That was when Mom, Bradley, and I went and saw Dad and Uncle Maverick when they were at Top Gun." Ben said coming to stand beside her.

"What about this one?" She asks pointing to a picture where Ben was perched on Goose's shoulders. Their backs were turned and Ben was pointing up in the sky. He must’ve been around 3.

"That's when I first saw a jet. That's when I fell in love with them and they practically became my life." Ben said and Natasha smiled. They continued going through pictures and he would explain what was happening just like it was yesterday. There were very few pictures of Maverick and she wondered why.

They both ended up on the couch watching whatever bad-acting movie was on TV. Both of them would just burst out laughing or comment on how that wouldn't happen, especially if it was a Navy movie. It was getting pretty late and they had both had several drinks and food upon food.

Natasha found her eyes slipping closed. She tried to keep them open she really did but the warmth from Ben and the cinnamon apple smell was soothing her to sleep. Before she knew it her eyes were shut and she felt Ben pull her closer into him.

When Ben felt Natasha's breathing even out he looked down and saw she was fast asleep. He smiled and kissed her head.

Were they falling fast? Yes.

Too fast? Possibly.

Did they care? Not in the least bit.

After a few minutes, he decided it was time for bed. He gently picked her up and carried her to the guest bedroom where he lay her down gently and pulled the covers over her and then left and got into his bed. He laid there smiling and found himself drifting off into a peaceful sleep.

---------------------------------------------------

December 26, 2010- December 30, 2010

The days leading up to New's Eve were moving fast but each day just meant another day for Natasha and Ben to be together. Somedays they were with Bradley and Leah but most days it was just him and her, and they loved it.

Ben and Natasha were just perfect for each other and everybody could see it. They just fit in with each other and talked with each other like they had known each other for years, even though they had just met each other days before.

On December 30th, all four of them were out and about walking the city and the beach. When a soccer ball rolled their way and a few kids ran up to them. "We're sorry!" A little boy said and Ben smiled and shook his head.

"You guys want another player?" He asked and the kids looked at each other and nodded excitedly. Ben turned to him as if questioning if they wanted in but they shook their head and Ben was on his way. This gave the other three time to sit down and somewhere and talk.

"He's great with kids." Natasha said and Bradley and Leah chuckled bur nodded.

"I think it helps that he's a kid at heart. It never left him. He really wants at least one of his own." Leah told her and Bradley agreed. They continued to watch Ben and then the kids play. After awhile the kids were called away and Ben was making his way back to the group.

"Did you have fun?" Bradley asked and Ben rolled his eyes but a smirk appeared on his face.

"Yes, I do. I wish you 3 could've joined. It would've been so fun. I look forward to playing with my kid." He said and Natasha smiled. They sat on the beach for a while until it got dark. They went back to Ben's house where he started getting supper ready.

"Where did you learn to cook?" Natasha asked and he smiled.

"Mom taught me. She tried to teach Bradley but it was a total failure." He said and Bradley shoved him as he rolled his eyes.

"I can cook." Bradley defended

"I didn't say you couldn't cook. I said it was a disaster teaching you." Ben shot back.

"Boys, bicker later. Nat and I are starving." Leah said

"Hold your jets. Dinner will be ready in 10." Ben said. Nat was silent and smiling just sitting back and listening to the bickering but it was all in fun.

10 minutes flew by. Talking about anything and everything was had and the boys taking jabs at each other made it fun. Bradley and Ben had a great relationship with each other. After all, Ben practically ended up raising Bradley when their dad passed and all of them were grieving he was the oldest male so he thought he had to take care of them both. Then their mom got sick. Sure they had Maverick but it had been Ben, Bradley, and Carole for so long that it was just normal.

The rest of the night went on with laughter and then Bradley and Leah were leaving them alone for the night. During their time alone plans were made and numbers were exchanged. Ben didn't want Nat to leave and she didn't want to leave either.

---------------------------------------------------

December 31, 2010

The next morning Ben was up early getting in a morning workout and a morning run then he was making breakfast for the 4 of them. Bradley and Leah would be coming over in a little bit to have breakfast and then hang out for the rest of the day.

Ben didn't have to wait long to be joined in the kitchen by Natasha. "Good morning." Ben said in a voice that made Nat swoon and a blush come to her cheeks.

"Good morning. How long have you been up?" She asked

"Not long. Long enough to get a workout in and then start some breakfast. Bradley and Leah are coming over soon." He said as he turned the heat down on the stove and turned his head to look at her.

"What are the plans for today?" She asked coming to stand by Ben.

"We usually don't do much. We might throw on a game or the ball drop. Usually we would be working but the base actually let us have some time off since we just got back from a deployment." He said and she was shocked.

"You both were on a deployment?" Nat asked and he nodded.

"It wasn't long a quick in and out." He said and she nodded but she couldn't help but feel worried about him. It was silent until there was a knock and then a turning of the knob.

"Benjamin Bradshaw it is not safe to leave the door unlocked." Leah said and he rolled his eyes.

"It was locked. You used your key." He said and everyone laughed. He turned off the stove and got everything plated and was bringing it to the table.

"I figured we would throw on the ball drop here and just hang out." Bradley said and Ben nodded.

"That's what we do every time." He said with a laugh. Breakfast was finished quickly and then everything was cleaned up. Bradley turned on the ball drop. At some point everyone ended up outside on the porch enjoying the sun and time together.

The morning and afternoon turned into the evening and they were anxiously waiting for the ball to drop. Usually they would have other friends over but just spending time with family and a friend, that Leah and Bradley were trying to set up with the eldest Bradshaw, was nice.

It was nearing midnight and everyone was pretty deep into drinking and food was near by. Everything was perfect for the 4 of them and nothing could change that. "Hey the countdown is starting." Ben said and they turned to the TV. The clock was ticking down and they grabbed their glasses. When it hit 10 seconds left they started to countdown together. Ben pulled Nat in close.

"3"

Ben and Nat looked at each other stared into each others eyes.

"2"

While looking at each other Leah and Bradley were smirking. They knew they did the right thing.

"1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" They shouted and everyone kissed each other. Ben and Nat kissed for what felt like their hundredth time but yet it still felt like their first kiss.

---------------------------------------------------

January 1, 2011

The kiss meant everything to Ben and Nat and they wouldn't change anything about it. Bradley and Leah smirked at the kissing unofficial couple. "We did good." Bradley whispered to his wife and she smirked.

"We sure did." She said and they fist bumped each other. Ben and Nat finally pulled away when air was needed and they looked at the other couple.

"Happy New Year!" Ben said and everyone laughed and then took a drink of their drink and continued the night on. Around 1 AM everyone called it quits and were heading to bed. Ben and Nat took to their rooms and Bradley and Leah took the other guest room. everyone slept peacefully that night.

In the morning everyone was a little bit hungover but nothing Ben's food couldn't fix. The morning was spent cleaning up what was left of last night and then in the afternoon they went out to eat spending what little time they had left with Natasha before she had to head back to Lemoore. She was dreading it.

When it was time for her to leave Leah helped her pack and then helped her bring her bags down. Bradley and Ben grabbed her bags and brought them out the car where they packed them in. Once it was packed Bradley and Leah said bye to her and then went inside giving the lover birds some time together. "I'm gonna miss you." Natasha said and Ben gave her a small smile.

"I'm gonna miss you too but you can always come and visit. I could also come and visit you." Ben said and that made Natasha smile and nodd.

"I would love that." She said

"Well I don't want to delay you. I need you to get on the road and home safely before it gets dark or at least somewhere to sleep." Ben said and that made her heart swell. He cared so much about her.

"I will." She said and leaned up and kissed him and he kissed her back.

"Text me when you stop and when you get home safely. You can call me if you get bored or tired." Ben said and she nodded.

"Will be sure to do that." She said and then he was leaning down to kiss her again and pulling away when air was needed. He opened the car door and let her get in. He made sure she was in and then closed the door. She pulled up her maps and turned the engine over. She backed out of the driveway and started her journey back home. He watched her leave and get out of view before walking back in smiling.

Bradley and Leah were quick to leave the window that they were peering out of and started to act like they were doing something. Ben rolled his eyes. "I know you guys were spying on us." He said and they came together looking at him not even trying to deny it.

"You're so in love." Bradley said and that made Ben's smile grow even further.

"Oh yeah I am." Ben said finally admitting it out loud. He wanted to marry her and start a family with her. He couldn't wait to see her again.

Tag list:

@kmc1989

@els-marvelvsp

@atarmychick007

@nyx2021

@grandstrangerphantom

@angenu01-blog

@talesofreading

@callsigns-haze

@roosteraloha

@laura-naruto-fan1998

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brownfamilychemdry · 1 month

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San Marcos Carpet Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning San Diego

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legacypromanagement · 2 months

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How Can Landlords Create a Pet-Friendly Rental Property?

Did you know that 67% of American households have a pet? Creating a pet-friendly rental property can attract more potential tenants and reduce vacancy rates. Whether you're managing a property independently or through a property management company in San Diego, implementing pet-friendly policies can make your rental more appealing. Here are some tips for making your property welcoming to pets while maintaining its condition and desirability.

Establish Clear Pet Policies

Having clear pet policies is crucial when renting to tenants with pets. Define the types and number of pets allowed, as well as any size or breed restrictions. Outline expectations for pet care and behavior. This can include requirements for keeping pets on leashes in common areas and cleaning up after them. Clear policies help prevent misunderstandings and ensure both the property and tenants are protected.

Charge a Pet Deposit or Fee

Consider charging a pet deposit or pet fee to cover any potential damage caused by pets. This can help offset the cost of repairs and cleaning. Make sure to comply with local laws regarding pet deposits. Clearly state the amount and terms in the lease agreement. This not only protects your property but also ensures that tenants are aware of their responsibilities.

Provide Pet Amenities

Adding pet amenities can make your property more attractive to pet owners. Consider installing a pet washing station or a designated pet area in the yard. Provide waste disposal stations with bags and bins for easy cleanup. These small additions show that you welcome pets and care about the comfort of your tenants and their furry friends.

Choose Durable Flooring

Pets can be tough on flooring, so it’s essential to choose durable, easy-to-clean materials. Hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring are good options as they are resistant to scratches and stains. Avoid carpets as they can trap pet hair and odors. Durable flooring ensures that your property remains in good condition even with pets.

Install Pet-Friendly Fencing

If your property has a yard, installing a secure fence can be a great feature for pet owners. A good fence provides a safe space for pets to play and exercise. Make sure the fence is high enough to prevent pets from jumping over and check for any gaps or weak spots. A pet-friendly yard can be a significant selling point for tenants with pets.

Regular Property Inspections

Regular property inspections help ensure that pets are not causing excessive damage. Schedule inspections every few months to check for any issues. Look for signs of pet damage like scratches, stains, or odors. Address any problems promptly to prevent them from worsening. Regular inspections help maintain the property’s condition and ensure tenants adhere to the pet policies.

Offer Pet Training Resources

Providing resources for pet training can help tenants manage their pets better. Offer information on local pet training classes or provide tips on pet care and behavior. Encourage tenants to train their pets to prevent issues like excessive barking or destructive behavior. Educated pet owners are more likely to take good care of their pets and your property.

Create a Pet Agreement

Include a separate pet agreement in the lease. This document should outline all pet-related rules and responsibilities. Have tenants sign the agreement to confirm their understanding and acceptance. A pet agreement ensures that all parties are clear on the expectations and helps protect your property from potential issues.

Partner with a Property Management Company

Creating a pet-friendly rental property can attract more tenants and keep your property occupied. If managing these tasks feels overwhelming, consider partnering with a property management company. Property management companies in San Diego can help you establish and enforce pet policies, maintain your property, and provide amenities that attract pet owners. By working with a property manager in San Diego, you can create a pet-friendly environment that benefits both you and your tenants.

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florilegiumofblips · 2 months

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I let go of it. The notion of home. I stopped dreaming of thick rugs and hardwood floors. Of hanging pots and a countertop. Clean white walls and molding tracing the bones of a place. I let go of the idea of permanency and roots and what-comes-next.

Began to dream of travel.

Of leaving.

Of letting go and moving on.

I won't own a bed. Or a dresser. There is no bookshelf or coffee table or couch.

When I leave the house on Deronda Avenue I will leave behind so much. The teepee I'd gotten for Aidan's nursery, a bunch of oleander stems that I’d promised my grandmother I’d plant.

Instead I'll cling to photos.

To candles and bowls. Mugs.

Carefully slip a few prints into an envelope and tuck them away in a box in San Diego.

I have one piece of furniture to my name. A vintage coffee table that I bought when we didn't have money to throw at things. I didn't know then what all the clouds rolling into my life meant. They passed quickly. But we didn’t know that then.

It’s a tricky business, predicting storms.

The idea of home, in any physical sense, became as small as a glass jar filled with coffee beans and two sweaters: one for everyday use, the other for cold coastal mornings.

To allow myself to dream of anything else was to be crushed by all that I did not have.

And yet there is so much.

Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.*

To try to write about home without writing about the events of this last year is a nearly impossible task. It would be to write around the sadness. And the more I write around it, the unrulier it grows. It is a story of unkindness. That is as much sense as I can make of it. Before the words are out, that’s all I have.

I’ll write it eventually. Because I write to unpack stories. And then pack them away.

But not tonight. Tonight as I sit on the floor next to the fire, a glass of wine beside me, music playing softly, I’ll write about this modern townhouse.

This townhouse with a stoop and an iron gate and tiled entry way.

This townhouse on the corner, at the end of a park.

This home that is always alive with noise and movement--the television left on, a set of hands on the piano, the shuffle of footsteps. The music of everyday life--full and good and deceptively mundane.

Tonight I will write about how I answered an ad. And how because of that, a two-story townhouse 2.7 miles from the beach is, for a moment, my own. Filled with furniture that belongs not to a person, but a place.

Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.

It is so different than I imagined. And yet here it is.

There are three of us here. Two who live for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and own an impressive collection of Hot Wheels. One who is trying to blend away lines I'd crossed, spinning stories in the best and truest ways we know how.

How lucky we are. How imperfect it all is, and how lucky we are.

How in this place our lives abut and fold over and involve the others. Except when they don’t, which is much of the time.

But when panic sets in after I tumble down a whole set of stairs, a door will open and someone will come to see that I am alright.

And it’s nice to have others look after you. Sometimes it’s exhausting doing everything on your own.

I didn’t want to live with others. Certainly not like this. How long I avoided this very situation. And yet here I am--in a Dickensian-boarding-house as my friend Bowen has dubbed it, and how good it is. I say that without an ounce of irony or pretense.

I let go of the notion of home, and here I am. In a house. Waking early each day, for the first time in months, to make my morning latte.

Occasionally I’ll catch myself looking sideways at the situation. How did I get here? This isn’t what I dreamt of. But god it’s good. Odd, but so, so lovely.

And how much I have.

Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.

*Walt Whitman, of course.

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ezplumbingandrestoration · 6 months

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Transform Your Kitchen A Comprehensive Guide to Remodeling in San Diego

If you're looking forward to going for kitchen remodel San Diego CA, then you're in the right place, as you can get all the details here. From the initial planning stage to the final touch, Experts from EZ Plumbing Restoration have got your back. They will ensure that your kitchen remodel exceeds your expectations.

Planning Your Kitchen Remodel

Set Clear Objectives

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Hire a Professional Designer

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Project Timeline and Communication

You need to establish a clear project timeline with your contractor and communicate in time. A well-organized schedule ensures that your work progresses smoothly, and you can also anticipate all the disruptions to the daily routine.

Material Selection and Finishes

Flooring

When it comes to choosing material, you have to choose something that can withstand the demands of your kitchen while complementing your design. You can use some options like hardwood tiles, laminates, and vinyl. Furthermore, you can consider factors like durability, ease of cleaning, and comfort underfoot.

Appliances

You need to choose the right kitchen appliances for functioning and aesthetic purposes. You're looking for something modern and durable when you choose stainless steel applications. You can also save a lot of money in future when you go for energy efficient models.

Lighting

Effective lighting can help you improve the ambiance and functionality of your kitchen. You can consider a combination of ambient tasks and accent lighting. Energy-efficient LED fixtures are completely practical and, of course, eco-friendly.

The Construction Phase

Demolition and Preparation

Once the construction starts, you have to prepare for some disruption to the daily routine. Demolition of the existing structures like cabinets and countertops generally happens first. You need to ensure that your contractor takes all the measures to protect your home from dust and debris.

Construction and Installation

The kitchen remodel will take place during this phase. Cabinets and fixtures will be installed, and your contractor will also coordinate all the parts of the construction process to ensure a seamless transition.

The Finished Kitchen

Clean-up and Final Details

Once the construction is complete, the kitchen will receive a complete cleaning to remove any construction residue. Final details like hardware installation will also be addressed now you can use your new kitchen.

Showcase Your Kitchen

You can invite your friends and family to check out the beautifully transformed kitchen. You can share your experience and the choices that you have made in materials and design. Your kitchen remodel San Diego CA can also work as an inspiration for people around who are looking for kitchen renovations.

Added Value to Your House

When your kitchen is perfectly executed it can help you add value to your house. Your well executed kitchen can help you get more value for your home in future if you plan to sell it as it becomes a strong selling point.

Why Choose EZ Plumbing Restoration?

EZ Plumbing Restoration is surely the best kitchen remodel service provider that you can always trust. The experts have a lot of experience here and they can transform your kitchen into a stunning space. In short, they are leaders in this industry and their experts bring creativity and expertise in all the projects.

From initial planning to the final touches, the experts will ensure that the kitchen remodel goes beyond their expectations. They understand the unique nature of owners in San Diego and can customize their services to align with your demands. When you choose EZ Plumbing Restoration for the kitchen remodel, you're not just getting a renovation done. You're just getting a work of art that improves the heart of your home.

Bottom LineYou can ensure a successful kitchen remodel San Diego CA when you carefully select all the materials, plan the things and also work with professionals rightly.. Whether you are looking forward to creating a modern functional kitchen or just a timeless space, following the guide will help you achieve all your objectives. When you enjoy the journey of turning your dreams into reality, you can also save the benefits for a long time. So your new kitchen awaits you.

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anotherwrldispossible · 8 months

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Make it make sense. How, a relationship consists of so many tiny moments. So many dinner nights. Breakfast. Lunch. Weekends. Tv shows. Movies. Late night snacks. Popcorn. Peanut butter on toast. Walking to go get ice cream. Going to trader joes. Walking to go eat pasta. Holding hands on the sidewalk. Holding hands in bed. Driving to my sister's. Driving to San Diego. Meeting my mother, meeting my family. Meeting my nephew. Telling me you're really starting to love him. Driving to Oakland. Introducing you to my friends. Going to San Francisco. Eating dumplings. Playing UNO in the park. Introducing you to my ex lover's little sister who I'm still extremely close with. Helping me, help her, clean out her mother's trailer. Listening to me talk about how much I miss her mother.

Conversations about death. Tears about dead friends. Crying at my kitchen table. Telling me. I can talk about it. With you. Telling you I'm pregnant. Thinking about if I should keep it. Conversations about what our life could turn into, on the grass. College. I still have one year left. Parenting. Conversation about abortion. Sitting in waiting rooms. Holding my hand during the procedure. Crying in the bathroom. Sitting on the toilet. Rubbing my thighs. Putting my leggings back on. Foot by foot, leg by leg. Driving me home after the appointment. Always staying until I fell asleep.

Coming to my house after work late. Falling asleep before you got there. Getting up to unlock the door. Half awake. Still kissing me. Pulling the covers back. Listening to you get ready for bed. Anticipating you holding me. Feeling the bed sink. Waking up at 5:30. Getting ready for work. Whispering to you, that I'm leaving. Reaching out for me. Tired. Don't go. Kissing you, half asleep. Giggling. I gotta go. Unconscious. You hold on to me.

Mornings on Saturday. Stressed out from school. Stomach cramps. Your palm on my lower belly. Your warmth soothing the pain. Stretching together. Hiking together. Dancing together. In my bedroom. In my living room. Sliding our feet on the hardwood floor. Laughing uncontrollably. Helping me with my laundry. Folding my underwear. Fixing my bed, in the morning. Bringing me water. You, snoring. Shoving another pillow under your head. Handing me your glasses. Turning off the tv. Watching you leave on monday morning. Looking for you out my window. Being happy.

Being together for 6 months. Being together for nine. Disagreements. Arguing for the third time. Getting angry. Wanting to be right. Telling you what I need. Reassuring me. Reassuring me. Reassuring me. Feeling doubtful. Feeling frustrated. Wondering, if this is right. Wondering, if you feel the same. More conversations. Long walks. Are we compatible? More dinners. Less laughing. Apprehension. Apathy. Distance. Between the both of us. Space. I want space. Being selfish. Why are you touching me? Why don't you cuddle with me, anymore? Why are you all the way over there? You don't even talk to me when you're here. Do you want me? Do we want this?

I still remember the first time, I realized I loved you.

Still remember the first time we said it.

How does a breakup consists of so many tiny moments? Make it make sense.

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avsfloorcare · 17 days

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Hardwood Floor Cleaning San Diego

Top-Tier Hardwood Floor Cleaning in San Diego

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#hardwood floor cleaning san diego

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amberfaber40 · 2 years

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SOLID | Chair By MANUTTI design Lionel Doyen

Solid is fashioned from solid teak and reputed for its infallible durability.‎ Its lines simultaneously evoke the power of an extensively crafted wood, solidity with a backrest joined to both the legs and the arm rests, and comfort thanks to its delicately crafted plush seating that perfectly moulds the body.‎ Fashioned from natural teak and brushed teak nero, the Solid collection is both an invitation and a bold statement.‎ The design of the chairs, stools and bar stools perfectly balances technological innovation and authentic craftsmanship.‎ Its graceful wooden frame and delicately crafted plush seating simultaneously suggest solidity and comfort – a sensation that is further amplified by its sensual shape, which molds to the body.‎

Shelfmate Type B

Basile Studio Raises the Roof for San Diego’s Born & Raised - Interior Design

Last fall, San Diego celebrated the opening of Born & Raised, a $6.5 million Art Deco extravaganza helmed by CH Projects and twice Michelin-starred executive chef Jason McLeod and designed by Paul Basile and his Basile Studio. But the party was just getting started: this fall sees the opening a second-floor addition to the 1930s era building, once a drug store and soda fountain the Little Italy neighborhood.

Jati Premium Teak Deck Tiles Standard 50 X 50cm (4 tiles per box) Brand, Quality & Value

A Condo Shows How to Design & DIY a Gorgeous Home out of a 'Soulless While Box'

Mariana's condo is new construction and initially lacked architectural charm, but she brought life into the space by mixing her own paint colors, sourcing things secondhand, using what she already had, DIYing what she didn’t, and investing in a few things that could really make a difference.

Casa - Teak

Reclaimed Teak Bathtub - Techtona Reclaimed Teak Hardwood

Reclaimed Teak Bathtub

Wooden Veneers - Wood Veneer Sheets, Veneer Designs

Mykonos Lounger | White by Uniqwa Furniture

Mykonos Lounger | White by Uniqwa Furniture Bring the resort holiday vibe home with these gorgeous sun loungers. The Mykonos Lounger, with modern clean classic lines, is perfect for urban outdoor living. MLx Suitable for full outdoor use Materials Reclaimed teak frame with a stretched white outdoor fabric sling seat. Dimensions W75 | D168 | H56.5 cm About the product Over time, exposed to sun and untreated, teak attains a beautiful silver grey weathered appearance. Teak is highly resistant to outdoor conditions, bugs and moisture retention and offers incredible benefits over other natural materials for use in outdoor spaces. The natural tendency for teak is to patina beautifully into a slivery-grey look, which develops over time in natural conditions, including sunlight and ambient moisture. The benefits of teak wood allow it to weather gracefully but also maintain it's integrity so as not to degrade like other hardwoods and softwoods. Please refer full Uniqwa disclaimer for this product here - click here This is a special order item only - please review the terms and conditions here Please request current availability and a delivery quote to your area (eta's are estimate only and changing daily so may have changed since added here) - Email us Please allow up to 12 business days to dispatch for in stock items from time of ordering. Magnolia Lane is a proud supplier of Uniqwa Furniture Australia wide. Enquire about any piece from their gorgeous range of unique furniture.

Teak Dik gefineerd plaatmateriaal MDF V313 Massief ogend - Van Laere Hout

Teak Dik gefineerd plaatmateriaal MDF V313 Massief ogend

SOLID | Chair By MANUTTI Solid is fashioned from solid teak and reputed for its infallible durability.‎ Its lines simultaneously evoke the power of an extensively crafted wood, solidity with a backrest joined to both the legs and the arm rests, and comfort thanks to its delicately crafted plush seating that perfectly moulds the body.‎Fashioned from natural teak and brushed teak nero, the Solid collection is both an invitation and a bold statement.‎ The design of the chairs, stools and bar stools perfectly balances technological innovation and authentic craftsmanship.‎ Its graceful wooden frame and delicately crafted plush seating simultaneously suggest solidity and comfort – a sensation that is further amplified by its sensual shape, which molds to the body.‎Further info from manufacturer on SOLID | Chair MANUTTI Read more

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avscarpetcleaning · 4 years

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Hardwood & laminate cleaning helps to prolong their life. Although these floors are durable, let us find out the best cleaner for laminate wood, here.

We at AVS Carpet cleansing provide expert hardwood and laminate cleaning services in the San Diego location. Right here’s a way to clean and keep your hardwood & laminate floors to hold them looking new for years to come. So call on 619-410-4324 to avail of our premier professional cleaning services.

#hardwood and laminate cleaning services #Laminate Floor Cleaning San Diego #Hardwood Floor Cleaning San Diego #Hardwood Floor Cleaners San Diego #Hardwood Floor Cleaning services San Diego #floor cleaning San Diego #floor cleaners San Diego

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monstercarpetcleaningllc-blog · 4 years

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2 Significant Reasons to hire Hardwood floor cleaning San Diego

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition that could be an advantage to any home. Wood floor have the possible to last a lifetime, but only if they are maintained as well as cared for properly!

Why Is It Important to Periodically Deep Clean Your Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors need to be cleaned every six to twelve months if you want them to uphold their beauty as well as shine. During the fall, correct after the wear and tear of summer, is a great time to do just that.

It's significant to memorize that having your floors appropriately and competently cleaned is of vital significance because using the wrong cleaning method could damage them as well as create long-term complications going forward. A professional hardwood floor cleaning San Diego can offer you competent cleaning service at an affordable price. Let’s read through some more benefits of hiring hardwood floor cleaning services.

Strong and Sturdy

There are numerous advantages to hiring a qualified hardwood floor cleaning San Diego to come in as well as clean your hardwood floors, but the major and most palpable one is that it will keep your floors polished and wonderfully clean for longer. However, this will not only superior the preliminary look of the flooring, but also keep it strong as well as sturdy. Like any structure, when dust dirt, grime, or else liquid spills get pressed into it, it will weaken them as well as decrease their shelf life considerably. Having them cleaned frequently by a trained specialized will make sure all of the excess dirt, dust, grime, as well as moisture is removed, keeping your flooring strong and looking implausible.

Lighten Your Load

Hiring a professional hardwood floor cleaning San Diego Company takes the pressure off of you to maintain your hardwood floors. Managing a home is no small job, especially if you are juggling a career as well as family obligations at the similar time. When you call Monster Cleaning to clean your floors, you can rest assured that they won’t be deserted due to your busy schedule. This leaves you with more time to spend with your family. When it comes to floor cleaning, sharing the load saves you time as well as effort while relieving your stress by knowing the guard as well as cleanliness of your hardwood flooring is in good hands.

#Hardwood floor cleaning San Diego

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garagedoorserviceinhouston · 3 years

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Mistakes To Avoid When Selling House With Real Estate Inspection Services In San Diego

Selling your house can be just as tense and emotionally rigid as it is thrilling and rewarding, especially if it’s your first time. It’s a massive, complex transaction that you have around the corner, after all. Irrespective of why you’ve decided to sell your house, there are several hazards you can easily fall into, making your home selling experience far less than ideal. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you have your bases covered. Moreover, you can hire professional real estate inspection services in San Diego to mitigate these problems.

Skipping Real Estate Inspection Services In San Diego Before Selling Your House Selling a home is hectic enough, even when everything goes as planned. But suppose a homebuyer hires real estate inspection services that catch problems like pests, mold, or a cracked foundation. In that case, your anxiety levels will multiply as you risk losing a potential sale. Given the affordability of home inspections, there’s not much reason to avoid getting a pre-listing home inspection. With that, you can be at ease, knowing your home is in good condition. Also, you’ll be able to handle problems before homebuyers have the chance to bring them up during that crucial negotiation phase. If an issue does arise, you can either fix it or let buyers know and then make a concession during the negotiation phase by reducing the price of your home accordingly. Not Cleaning Your Carpet Or Refinishing Hardwood FloorsIf you’re reading this at your house, look down. How do your floors look? Even if they don’t look bad, there’s a quite good chance they’re starting to show their age. Since potential buyers will be inspecting every aspect of your house, you should start thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors and cleaning your carpet to avoid these home-selling mistakes. When selling your house, the best time to have your carpet cleaned or hardwood floors refinished is right before you stage your home. Since you’ll already be moving most of the furniture to either a storage unit or a new house, this is an excellent time to get your floors done and make them a selling point to potential homebuyers. Not Cleaning Your House Before Selling Most of us will be lying if we say our houses aren’t overdue for a good cleaning, so don’t forget to tick this box before listing your house for sale. There’s nothing more off-putting during commercial property inspection in San Diego than realizing the house is dirty. The potential homebuyers might wonder what else you’ve been neglecting all these years. So make cleaning your home a priority as it is one of the straightforward home selling mistakes you can avoid. By hiring a professional cleaning service provider, you’ll guarantee that not only is your home spotless but that you’re going to make a great impression on homebuyers when they tour your house. Not Staging House For Quick Selling The key point of staging your house is to allow potential homebuyers a chance to picture themselves living in the space. They get to see a home full of furniture and art organized in a way that highlights the primary features of your house. That won’t be the case for an empty house that echoes every sound.

Staging your home pays off too. Twenty-one percent of agents told the National Association of Realtors that staging a home increased its sale price by as much as 10 percent, making it a worthwhile investment. Not Addressing The Exterior Of House Over the years, the exterior of your home has taken a pounding from the elements. With everything mother nature throws at it, the paint on your house’s exterior and the stain on your deck have probably lost a bit of luster. So before listing, make sure to power wash your home first. In addition, to ensure your home looks attractive in the listing photos, you will also boost the overall curb appeal when buyers ultimately show up for a tour. In addition to pressure washing your house, you can also take some time to pressure wash your driveway, garage door, patio, fence, and any walkways you might have. By keeping your home’s exterior looking good, you can effortlessly avoid such common home selling mistakes. Not Budgeting The Move When you consider the moving procedure, you have two options: doing it all yourself or hiring a moving company. If you choose to outsource a moving company rather than doing it yourself, they’ll pack, transport, and then unpack your belongings. That means that a full-service mover might be well worth the investment when you’re engrossed with all of the other tasks related to selling your home. Not to mention, when you outsource movers, your belongings are insured, so you’re covered if anything breaks. The RoofIf you haven’t replaced your roof in many decades, it can lead to water damage throughout the property. However, if the real estate inspection services in San Diego find issues with the minor roof, this is unusual and can be dealt with after purchase. You should be worried about the more serious issues that could damage the roof structure, eventually decreasing your home’s value. If the roof is relatively new, there might still be a warranty, so check with the seller. If this isn’t the case, you might need a quote from a roofing organization. A loose shingle here or there is not the end of the world. HVAC There might be problems with cooling and heating systems even if the unit is somewhat new. You might need some work to make sure ductwork is sealed correctly or the filters you might need to replace. The system can benefit from a service from a specialist to sort out these somewhat minor problems during real estate inspection services. These aren’t the only concerns for a home inspection, but they are some of the most important. You Never Thought About Repainting One of the first things a likely homebuyer will notice when they pull up to your home is the paint. If you want to have an excellent impression first up, make sure that your home is painted an attractive color. Moreover, the quality of your paint job should be top-notch. While the work of repainting your home may take a few days, the value of painting your house before selling will be well worth the effort. Recent research found that painting the exterior of your property has a fifty percent return on investment. Don’t stop there with the exterior, though. We’ve all seen some rather bad color choices on the walls of houses. If you happen to have lime green or bright purple walls, you’ll need to repaint them to a more buyer-friendly neutral color. Doing that will make it a lot easier for potential buyers to picture themselves living in your home. Make a Smart Choice Rather than making a home selling mistake like walking away, send them back a tempting offer that you and your real estate agent think is fair. If they are interested, then you’ll be glad you didn’t let your emotions get the better of you. When you hire a home inspection company, you’re also hiring the people who work for them. As a result, Eco Home Inspections has established itself as the go-to company for customers who need fast, detailed, affordable, and professional reports. Thus, call us now!

#Real estate Inspection Services in San Diego #Real estate Inspection Services #Commercial Property Inspection in San Diego

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amor-fati-momento-mori · 5 years

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No Place I’d Rather Be

I’m on my period and emotional. Enjoy.

Summary: Spending your last day of weekend visit with a sick Grayson, but he decides to propose an idea you have been too scared to ask.

Words: 2,879

Birds singing in the trees, bright blue skies, and the loving heat of the warm sun beating down from above were just a few things to describe a perfect morning. It was hard to tell if the birds were actually singing from inside the house and what tune they chose for this morning, but they were there happily flying around going about their bird business. As for the sun and clear skies it was a safe bet to assume that the skies were clear and the sun was beaming in the city of angels. This was also easily confirmed by the sun streaking through the glass doors opposite of the large, modernized kitchen that looked like a still from an episode of Fixer Upper, Property Brothers or whatever new HGTV show that made you crave granite countertops and apron sinks to fix all the problems in your life.

You slid across the hardwood floors in your white tube socks to grab your previously used knife from the opposite end of the counter. Scattered across the white marble was the carnage of various packages and peels of fruits to make full breakfast. Eggs whites were sizzling in the pan next to another filled with turkey bacon that you were careful to handle with some grease popping out of the sides. The knife in your hand was now being used to open up a second avocado to finish covering the six pieces of toast that had already been perfectly toasted in an obscenely expensive toaster. An item that you would never be able to wrap your head around but also couldn’t argue its efficacy and great toasted results. Four of six said pieces were already covered and done, set aside on their respected plates as you finished the last two for yourself. After scraping the green insides on the toast and adding all of the other garnishes, you set it on your plate and being adding the eggs whites, bacon and filling up three glasses with a previously made smoothie that had a tropical taste of pineapple and mango mixed with coconut milk.

With a large huff, blowing some of the fly away hairs that had escaped from your ponytail up into the air to only fall on your nose, you gave yourself a pat on the back for completing the morning task of breakfast. Looking at your phone you saw the time was 8:30am on the dot. This boasted even more pride in you time management skills having had forced yourself up early for a gym session, followed by a relaxing shower and then getting all of this done. Distracted by said accomplishment and preparing to grab all the completed food items to place on the dining room table, you were unaware of the footsteps that were the tell-tale sign of someone else entering the kitchen with you. Placing one hand under each of the plates, you began to turn and head towards the table.

“Boo!”

“ETHAN!” You screamed, startled by his presence. You began to wobble back and forth in attempt to save the plates that had gotten shaken up in your fear before they smashed to the floor next to where your heart currently was from the scare.

“Woah, woah, I gotcha.” Ethan said, leaning forward to help prevent a mess he was about to cause.

He steadied one plate in your hand while grabbing the other one that was closest to teetering over the edge. He made the first move into the dining room to set the plate in front of one of the chairs and you followed suit. After everything fragile was placed securely, you walked over to him and smacked him on the shoulder.

“Ow! Rude!” He whined, rubbing his arm as if your punch would do anything. Sure, you had been going to the gym and the boys were helping you get into weight lifting but your height and weight was still no match for 180lb and 6ft beasts that were the Dolans.

“Dude, you scared the shit out of me. I almost dropped your breakfast by the way. If that had happened your ass would be the one remaking it so I’m not hearing any complaining about how you don’t like it.” You told him, attempting to fix your bun that was already lazily thrown up on your but now you were certain was sitting promptly lopsided atop your head.

“Don’t worry, you already cook a million times better then Grayson. I would never send your food back. In fact, you being here I think is the only reason I’m alive and getting real food.”

“I make the exact same avocado toast that Grayson does.” Ethan shrugged.

“Yeah but yours just has that…” He trailed off and simply made a chef’s kiss with his fingers.

“I’ll take that as a thank you.” You commented, before going to wash some of the dishes you had made. You also sent a quick text to Grayson letting him know breakfast was done.

Grayson had been sick and therefore was unable to work out this morning with you like your normally do. You made it a goal to stay on track with workouts though and wanted to surprise him with a good breakfast. Sick or not, unlike some people, Grayson wasn’t the keenest on sleeping in. You also didn’t want to waste a second with him before having to go back to San Diego.

The back and forth between LA and SD wasn’t crazy, it’s about only an hour plane ride. It was just the amount of having to do it. Thankfully that would be fixed soon as you had saved up and enough and with your job having plenty of spots to place you permanently for work in LA, you were finally making the move further up North. This didn’t come without it’s struggles though because finding an apartment was hard enough, but a decent one that wasn’t forever away from the boys, even harder. You settled for Glendale and had even tour the place with Grayson and Ethan while you were visiting this weekend. They had approved of the place as well and once you were back in San Diego you were going to sign the lease to move in next month. Honestly moving itself was the hardest part of any of it.

“He has risen! I thought I was the lazy one.” You heard Ethan speaking, shaking you out of your inner musings.

You looked over to see the most beautiful, pitiful baby boy there ever was. Grayson dragged himself into the kitchen, clearly still just wiping sleep from his eyes. He had changed clothes from the gray sweatpants and white tank he had worn to bed into red Adidas track pants and a black DT hoodie. His hair was still lying flat on his head, a clear indication that he only did enough to run his hands through to get out the mess from tossing and turning. Grayson also continued to sniffle as if was just figuring out that he had a nose and how it worked. His eyes were glazed with both sick and sleep as he looked over to you before padding his way over, sliding his bare feet on the floor.

“Ehhhh,” He groaned, making grabby hands towards you as you turned off the water of the sink, drying your hands on a towel.

“Yes, zombie boy?” You teased. Grayson stuck his tongue out at you before wrapping both his arms around your waist and digging his face into the crook of your neck and shoulder.

You reached up to play with the hair on the back of his neck as he lightly swayed your body back and forth. He muttered something into your skin.

“Didn’t quite catch that, babe.” You told him, patting this head to tell him to pick his head up and try again.

“You do too much.” He sniffled before leaning his head back to do an over dramatic cough You loved the boy but Ethan was right that he was very loud, it was cute though.

“Oh my god shut up.” Ethan yelled right on cue.

“Fuck you!” Grayson called back, before lowering his voice to speak directly into your ear. “I’m sorry. I know with being sick I haven’t been able to fully enjoy being with you this weekend. Now you are making breakfast for us and it’s just all amazing. I can’t say thank you or I love you enough, baby girl.”

You smiled, turning in his arms to face him. You leaned up on your tip toes to place a quick kiss to his nose, not caring if you got his germs.

“That’s what I’m here for, bub.” You placed your hands on his cheeks, slightly squishing them beneath your hands.

Grayson smiled back down at you, causing a bolt of heat to strike your stomach. Something you weren’t sure you would ever get over, which was perfectly fine with you.

“Gross.” Ethan commented, shoving the last bit of toast into his mouth. He walked over, hip checking the two of you out of his way so he could clean his plate before setting it aside. “I’m going to pack a bag get ready to go to the beach, let me know if you want to join in later.” He tossed up a peace sign before heading towards his room.

Grayson grabbed your hand, heading towards to the table for you two to eat your breakfast. You sat down, facing each other across the table before digging in.

“How come he never does that for me? Little shit always just leaves it here expecting me to do it. Or if he does clean it he just leaves it in the sink instead of putting it in the drying rack where he belongs.” Grayson complained, stabbing at his eggs. You smirked at him.

“Maybe he just likes me better.” You teased, seeing Grayson not being able to help the little glare that slid across his face at the intention of your words. There was genuinely nothing there between you and Ethan, just some fun banter. You were an only child and only had a few close guy friends growing up so getting both a boyfriend and another friend all in one as a package deal actually made you pretty happy.

The two of you continued eating, talking about maybe joining Ethan at the beach or just going for t a lazy swim in the pool if Grayson was up for it. Eventually the conversation shifted to your upcoming move.

“How are you thinking about getting all your stuff here?”

“After having moved with just a car or two like five times now, I’m renting the U-Haul. The time it takes for it to get here on the road and me by plane isn’t too hard to coordinate. What I really need to do is start packing to make that easier. Fortunately, again after so many times I have it down to a science but it’s never not annoying ya know? Just thinking about it- “

“What about here?” Grayson interrupted. He looked sheepish like that wasn’t his intention but was also staring at you head on.

“What about here?” You repeated back in confusion.

“Like, here. For you to stay.”

“Gray, baby, I am moving to LA.”

“No, no, like right here. With me and E, here. Mainly me.” He said, you could tell he was nervously rubbing his hands together underneath the table in anticipation for your answer, ready to bolt if you laughed or said no.

“Oh, I guess I hadn’t thought of that.” Lie, your brain said. You totally had but didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. You are Grayson were coming up on your two-year anniversary in a month. It wasn’t crazy to think about living together, I mean your rule was at least two years anyways before moving in with a significant other so what’s a month in the long run?

“I mean, you don’t have to. Don’t feel pressured or like I’m forcing you or anything it was just, um an idea.” Grayson stuttered out, now needing something to do to ignore feeling foolish so he began furiously stuffing bacon into his mouth and ripping it with his teeth.

“No, Gray, I’m sorry. No as in I’m not saying no, no as in oh fuck me.” You tripped over your words, nerves now pervading your body as well. “What I’m trying to say is I would love that, truly. I just didn’t want to make anything hard or weird for you guys. Inviting myself to live here isn’t fair. I mean it’s been just you guys living together for almost 8 years. It’s okay to have concerns about bringing someone into that and I didn’t want to just assume it would be okay. Plus, I know you guys don’t upload weekly or anything anymore and we are public but moving in together brings another level to that that I wasn’t sure if you wanted to deal with right now.” It was actually extremely reliving getting this off your chest. With the move you had always thought it made sense just to move in with Grayson, you would be here all the time anyway, why pay rent somewhere else with two other roommates that you really didn’t know and hoped they weren’t secretly stealing your food from the fridge or leaving the bathroom a mess. It was a big step in a relationship though and even more for one like this.

Becoming public was a feat on its own. You knew who the twins were before you met, so you had no problem leaving it up to Grayson about when to post about you guys. He felt comfortable enough to do it on your one-year anniversary. While there sadly was always going to be a few people who made nasty remarks, they didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things and the reception was warm and made you feel grateful. And while sure, the fandom wasn’t involved into everyday life, and there had been security issue in the past about literal living situations, it felt like stepping into another boundary that needed permission from the fandom. The boys cared about every single subscriber so much that you never wanted to cause a rift between that. Although Grayson assured you that was never the case. Fandom and girlfriend were two different loves in their own special ways, that also deserved certain boundaries.

“Don’t even worry about that.” Grayson reached across the table to grab your hand. “What we do, is what we do. No one makes that choice but us and if anyone wants to get upset that’s on them. It doesn’t mean you have to be in all our videos or whatever else people might think would happen. It just means that I finally get to wake up and go to bed every day with my favorite person in the world. I don’t have to take you to the airport anymore and give you the final hug before going home to count the days when you come back. We can make dinner, and go out on nighttime adventures and I need someone else to help me when Ethan is being an asshole.” You both laughed, he squeezed your hand tighter. “I mean it. The place in Glendale was fine but it’s still a 45-minute drive on a good traffic day. Just stay here, and you’re not paying rent, just groceries and whatever else you want to buy for your or for the house. It’s yours now.”

Tears began to prick your eyes so you quickly spoke before they could fully form.

“Is Ethan okay with this though? I mean he actually is my number one concern because I don’t want to like encroach on his safe space or anything. I know we are close but still.”

“Ethan was the first one to bring it up actually.”

“What?”

“Yeah, after we had gotten back from viewing the apartment. You had to take the phone call with your boss so you went outside. Ethan said to me, and I quote, ‘Gray, are you really going to let your fucking girlfriend stay there? Ask her to move in already you, dipshit’, so I think he’s chill.”

You merely snorted in response, thankful yet not too surprised at Ethan’s boldness with the subject.

“Well it looks like I’m approved on all angles, so where do I sign?

“Right here.” Grayson leaned across the table to pull you into a soft, sweet kiss. The two of you lingered there for a moment just letting the morning settle in around you. Around what was now your home as well.

You pulled apart and watched as Grayson began scraping the last bit of food into his mouth before asking if you were done, you nodded. Grayson stood up, collecting both of the plates before kissing you on top of your head as he walked by to go wash the dishes. You turned around in your chair, placing your arms over the back and setting your chin on top, gazing at the boy in the kitchen.

Home, you thought. There was no place you’d rather be.

#grayson dolan #dolan twins #grayson dolan imagine #dolan twins imagine

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