#mr love queen's choice gavin x reader

[pumpkin-patch-cat]

Mirror Mirror

Gavin x !FemReader drabble I've sat on for entirely too long.

A/n: Pardon any grammatical errors!

Warnings: Language and implied intimacy.

"You'll catch cold if you keep coming out in the rain like that, Officer." You smiled warily at the man standing across your room. In his hand, a towel moved swiftly to dry his damp, chesnut hair; a direct result of the current downpour battering your patios' surface outside of your apartment.

"Eh, I've been caught in worse. Besides, I wanted to see you. Hope that's okay?" One golden eye peered at you from beneath a corner of the towel. All you could do was smile.

"Of course."

That made him grin, too.

"Your papers there seem to have gotten wet too. Work stuff?" You pointed out.

Gavin nodded and sighed before draping the towel over his shoulders. He too glanced at the pile of damp papers and folders he reluctantly brought with him.

"I didn't want to, but this case is really giving me a hard time. We can't seem to catch a lead, but I know we're close. I just needed a break, but I figured I'd pick them up while I was here at some point..." Gavin trailed off with his brows furrowed, seemingly lost in thought while you watched on from your place at your desk, subconsciously admiring the man clad in a black t-shirt, grey sweats and white socks.

'He works so hard... yet still makes time for me.'

Feeling your cheeks flush, you immediately turned back to face your own mountain of work. Gavin moved to the side of the bed, opening a couple of folders.

"I hate to do this, but since you're busy yourself..." he continued. "...mind if I take a look at these before I pull my hair out?"

The laughter on his voice was evident, but you knew he was determined. That's just how Gavin was. You glanced back at him and shook your head.

"Gavin, fighting!" You gave him a thumbs up, to which he replied with a wink, then flopped on your bed.

Within the hour, silence had engulfed the room aside from the pitter patter of rain, soft grunts and the occasional frustrated groan from the cop who sat completely surrounded by paperwork and folders atop the bed.

You weren't sure when, but all the words on your laptop screen had started to run together the longer you read on. Scripts, proposals, a group chat with Anna, Willow, Kiki and Minor, a handful of emails - including one very condescending email from a certain LFG CEO, which you lacked the energy to deal with right now.

You rolled your eyes, practically begging for mental reprieve when the reflection in your small, desktop mirror caught your attention.

Behind you, Gavin still sat on your bed, only he had reclined back with one arm resting behind his head against your headboard and held a single sheet of paper in his other hand. His one leg lazed off the side of the bed while the other was folded beneath it.

You tilted your head in awe, admiring how statuesque the man looked, especially with his shirt riding up over his lower stomach, giving you a nice view of his abdominal V. You chewed your pen top.

Without him noticing, you continued to observe quietly. Each time he shifted, you swore his sweats slipped lower on his hips.

'Did he take his boxers off when he changed...?'

You swallowed hard at the thought.

From his position on the bed and how he held the paper, Gavin couldn't see the building curiosity in the your eye as you watched on through the mirror - or so you thought anyways.

Paper still in hand, Gavin yawned and stretched, allowing his shirt to ride up higher, practically giving you a half view of the bottom row of his abs. You nearly choked.

'Fuck, what am I doing? Focus, girl!' You cursed to yourself upon averting your eyes, completely missing the smirk that graced Gavin's features. He wasn't usually one to tease, but your reactions were simply too cute to pass up. What else could he do?

Reaching for a new set of papers, simply to look busy, Gavin changed positions. This time, he slouched a little further down on the bed, his folded knee now bent up straight, body now angled a bit toward you while supported on his elbow. He kept his gaze downward at the text in hand while his free hand played with the drawstrings of his sweats just below his navel.

With your efforts proving futile, your gaze had succumbed to the silent call of his reflection in the mirror where you resumed watching the show.

Feeling your eyes on him once again, Gavin's slim fingers had "absentmindedly" began to toy with the hem of his shirt where before long it was lifted slightly to reveal another row of perfectly sculpted abs; his fingers grazing over them slowly.

You dropped your pen and shifted awkwardly in your seat, causing the chair to creak loudly. This time, Gavin looked up, nearly catching you in the act.

"You good over there...?" Mild concern and amusement graced his features, but he hid it well while awaiting your answer.

"...ahem, fine fine....just fine. Work just being a pain is all. Nothing new..." You did your best to keep your voice steady and spoke with your back turned.

'Breathe, breaaaathee'

"Ah...take a break if it gets to be too much." He chided as a matter of factly

"Hmm, you too..."

You quickly composed yourself to the best of your ability, refusing to succumb again. However, the subject in the mirror had other plans.

The reflection stretched again, only this time he stretched in such a way that allowed for the perfect outline of something...interesting...to show at the front of his sweats.

'Oh...my...fuck'

You shifted again in your chair, unsure if somehow the rain from outside had managed to soak your panties.

Your sudden, odd movements allowed him to catch the exact moment your gaze switched back to the mirror where he greeted you with a silent, mischievous smile.

"Crap..."

Too embarrassed to look away, you apologized with your eyes. Gavin accepted that apology by biting his lip and chuckling softly when you finally hid your beat red face.

"Uh huh, that's what you get for spying on people. If you wanted to look, y/n -hey...look at me for real now..."

When you turned, his hand slipped down from his abdomen to the half growing bulge beneath his sweats and squeezed.

"-all you had to do was ask."

"Gav-"

"Come over here," he beckoned with a now outreached hand. "-take a break. You look like you could use one. I sure as hell could."

[yourssinfullyquiche]

In the gratitude one feels…(D, no.24)

Hello, all you beautiful people🥰 Angsty angsty, you know I had to write it

Prompt 31: a kiss on the palm

Gavin x F!reader

“Stupid don’t you ever do that to me again, you hear me!” Tears pour from my eyes and I’m trying hard to stop myself from hyperventilating but every time I do, my mind keeps circling back to the images of the static monitor.

I feel his bandaged hand cupping the back of my head, so I look up at him. To think that there was a possibility that I would never see those whiskey eyes again looking so gently at me, now worry in them—the boyish smile, his sweet voice, the puffs of breath warming my skin, terrifies me to no end. 

“I’m okay now,” he says, voice rough from being out of use. “Now that you’re here.” His hand comes to rest on my cheek, the bandage scratching my skin. He looks at me with contrite, all I do is turn my head into his palm and cry harder. 

Anything could’ve happened. If the fatality of the wound was far too deep. If we were one second too late. If there were complications during the surgery. If those anythings happened, I wouldn’t be here with him crying out of relief, happiness and anger but crying over him out of sadness, desolation and emptiness at the grief that would overcome me if I had lost him. 

“Baby, please don’t cry. I really am OK…” He tries to sit up but winces almost immediately and falls back against the bed. 

My fears slip past as angry orders when I tell him not to get up just to be a hero when he’s clearly still hurt. As soon as I say it though, he chuckles. It sounds painful and forced. I see it plainly on his face, the struggle he’s facing to appear strong in front of me when his beat up lungs evidently torment him.

My heart tightens with pain and all I want is to be closer to him as much as I can. So I climb on the bed carefully manoeuvring myself under his arm making sure I don’t hurt him and fit myself snugly in the small bed, wrapped in his warmth. I place my hand on his beating heart. Steady. 

A while passes in silence as I feel his fingers absentmindedly running through my hair. I dare not think of anything else except the heart that beats steadily under my palm, the warmth I’m feeling tucked by his side and the dizzying pleasure I get from the fingers that comb through my hair. That helps ground me. And I know Gavin is alive with me. 

“I know I scared you. I’m sorry,” he says. The bandage scratches my lips as his fingers rest on my lower lip. Our eyes meet and he whispers he’s sorry again. “It will never happen again, I promise.” He holds my gaze. How resolute he is. The way he makes promises and fulfils it unyieldingly, something I’ve always admired about him. Though can he fulfil this one?

I choose to trust him, to trust the way his eyes reflect my fears as well. Because just like me, he was afraid that that night in the ambulance was our last. We have our reasons now to fully live the life we’ve been gifted. Gavin was someone who used to throw away his life for his missions, putting himself in harm’s way, never once understanding how much he’s worth it; but now he’s come to value the sanctity of his life, he’s open and far more greedier with what he wants. 

I used to fear taking a leap to do whatever it is my heart yearned for, constantly talking myself out of things, scaring myself into rejection and negativity but now, I’ve come to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s okay to not know everything—to be a beginner in something—to be imperfect. He taught me that, kindly with his gentle voice. Supporting me like always. 

I never want to lose him, and I know he feels the same as he waits for me to acknowledge his promise. I cup the back of his hand, then my lips leave a long kiss on his palm. I look into his eyes and my lips threaten to break into a smile. Slowly I crane my neck and meet his lips in a deep longing kiss. 

“Then you better keep your promise, officer.” 

-

A/N: Thank you for reading❤️ I would classify this as a low/mild angst. I didn't specify what happened to Gavin, so it's up to interpretation. I have another angst drabble idea, so hopefully I can get it done (◔◡◔)

💌Asks are open: spots to kiss

Delve into my world

© YOURSSINFULLYQUICHE2023 — no part of this writing shall be plagiarised, translated or reposted in any way. Likes, reblogs and comments are always appreciated!

Taglist: @purple-cat-demon @rinharu-purple

[thelaughtercafe]

Mr. Love Ler Headcanons

Tea Type: Brown Sugar Boba

Potential Triggers: 

Pairing: Kiro/F! Reader, Lucien/F! Reader, Victor/F! Reader, Gavin/F! Reader, Shaw/F! Reader

Length: 1.4l+

Summary: N/A

Kiro:

Omg Kiro as a ler is super playful and energetic. 

Likes to use his hands the most! Feels it’s the most intimate.

Does NOT shut up. 

Has known he was a Ler since childhood actually, unlike the others so he’s the most experienced with terms, tools and wrecking you. 

He sees it as a super fun way to break the touch barrier and also help lift moods or break a silence so he will just lunge at you out of nowhere while you’re chilling with him and just go to town.

“Aw c’mon cutie you can take a little more cantcha? Look at that beaming smile! 

King of teasing holy fuck he will make you red. 

Partial to coochie coos and tickle tickles to fill any moments of his own silence. 

Lives to see you afterwards, pink, discombobulated and pouting which leads to a quick scribble at your ribs to make you giggle again. 

“You know you love me~”

Cheeky little shit. 

Lucien:

OMG HE’S SO MEAN DON’T LET HIM FIND OUT YOUR TICKLISH PLEASE GOD-

He’s a man of science and you know what that means. 

Tickle experiments. All the time. 

And if he knows you like it? He won’t stop. 

And believe me…he’ll know. 

You won’t need to say a word. 

He’ll notice the way you arch into his touch, or the way you look away and blush when he makes an analogy about having a tickle in his throat and that’s all he needs to get curious enough to generate a hypothesis.

Once he tests it and just out of the blue while asking rapidfire questions under the guise of a game blurts it out in the same monotone voice as always.

“So I take it you like being tickled hm?”

“Yeah of course I-” 

He wished he had a camera to record the way your face had froze as you realized what had just come out of your mouth before you rushed to backpedal. 

“I-I mean-no I just-I th-thought you asked something el-”

Too late for that. 

He had already cornered you against the nearest wall and begun skating his fingernails under your shirt over your bare sides with a calm smile. 

“There’s no need to tell fibs now. I can see from how red you are that you like this whether you attempt to deceive me or not.”

He merely laughed as you groaned in embarrassment and hid your burning face in his lab coat. 

From then on, lots of experiments. He is a neurologist after all. What better way to test how laughter affects brain chemistry? 

Victor:

Opposite to Kiro; he’s cold and doesn’t open his mouth much besides to offer the occasional playfully degrading comment. 

“Ah, so this is your real laugh hm? Quite loud. I should be the only one to hear it.” 

He’s much more focused on your laughter and flustered reaction as well as what makes you give him the best reactions.

Always evolving his tickling style. Kind of experimental like Lucien but more spur of the moment and doing it to mess with you.

Quick, nimble, long fingers.

How else do you think he writes and types so fast as a CEO?

Uses his big hands to wrap around you and can tickle both your ribs and back at the same time. 

Finds a sadistic satisfaction in the way you jerk and let out a strangled sound of gaped laughter when he does it for the first time, eyes comically wide before you attempt to beg. 

Punishes you when you make him worry and when you go MIA in particular.  

Does it out of nowhere too, to catch you off guard. 

…Absolutely once called you to his office just to wreck you until you were in tears.

Goldman got some ideas after that day the poor secretary-

Gavin:

High school friend already knew you were ticklish, despite never having done it to you himself until now. 

He’s too shy for that now, c’mon. 

The sweet ler who’ll hesitate even when he’s got you pinned, his hands hovering over your skin after a playfight.

“J-Just call my name if you need me to stop okay?”

His softness is the last thing on your mind as he then roughly digs his fingers into your hipbones. 

When you burst into giggles, the smallest of smiles twitches onto his lips as he relishes in the sound of your laughter. 

Teases tentatively since he’s worried about pushing you too far. 

More innocent comments and him blurting out his thoughts that have the added bonus of flustering you to Hell and back.

“Heh…your laugh hasn’t changed a bit.”

“Man, look how red you’ve gotten.”

Will turn red himself when he goes to pull away, worried you’re not getting enough oxygen and you pull his hand back towards your body with a pout. 

Lets out the purest laugh when it clicks and turns a bit more teasy in reaction.

“Oh? You don’t want me to stop do you?”

*SPOILER CHARACTERS BELOW THE CUT*

Helios:

Hi. 

Remember how I said Kiro was a master ler? 

Take that; multiply it by 500 and you’ve got Helios. 

Fuck playful tickling. 

This man?

Gonna torture you.  

Kiro was very careful to never use his Evol on you, even if you said you didn’t mind or even wanted him to. 

Helios has no such qualms and relishes in the lack of control he can force on you. 

It’s a reminder to him both that he’s powerful and you’re safe not that he’ll ever admit as much.

Degrades just a tad when he lers. 

Makes fun of you for liking it

🥺

“Oh? What a naughty little tickle slut I’ve come across. Look at you barely struggling against me.”

Leans forward to hiss into your ear and you feel his teeth drag there. 

“Now if you don’t want me to stop…”

“Beg for it.”

Shaw:

The type to pretend he’d rather be literally anywhere else. Like he’s not the one torturing you and it’s this huge inconvenience as you lose it in his arms. 

“Damn your laugh is so squeaky. Ha! Did you just snort?”

Try to quiet  yourself and he’ll either pout or threaten as his 

“Did I say to stop?”

Omg absolutely the type to let you get away just to drag you back to him!! 

Doesn’t show it outwardly but freaking loves the chase and struggle under that tsundere ass façade. 

Possessive of his Lee.

He wants to be the only one to tickle them.

Especially in front of a certain brother

Generally enjoys tickling you in front of others despite his possessive nature since he views it as a declaration. 

Any of his band members from Loud House try joining in he will 1000% put you down to wreck them till they cry. 

“Oh you wanted to join in? Why didn’t you just say so?”

Oh shit wait that’s not playfulness that’s aggression in his tone run little drummer boy run!!

Absolutely no mercy. Follows through on making them cry and taunts them mercilessly about it. Never lets them live it down and threatens them with it again if he gets jealous. 

…no-one’s stupid enough to try again after that. 

Ares:

Once Lucien drops the mask? 

Much like Helios he’s worse. 

The only difference? His was done for manipulation against you rather than to protect you and he’s got even less qualms about using it to mess with you. 

He already did it as Lucien of course but as Ares? 

He’s so much crueler, and he’s not afraid to manhandle you either. 

Even if he wants to safeguard you, it doesn’t mean he can’t have some fun with you too. 

And maybe he misses your smile and laughter around him. 

Not that he’d ever tell you as much. 

He never got to show his annoyance as Lucien and as Ares he still mostly doesn’t. 

Until he does. 

You make one too many passive aggressive comments, roll your eyes one too many times and suddenly he’s got you pinned by your neck against the wall, grin more feral than you’d ever seen it with a glint in his eyes that makes your blood turn to ice. 

He clicks his tongue at you.  

“Tsk tsk tsk…not a very smart girl now are we?”

His voice is little more than a hiss. 

“This has been a long time coming. I hope you’re ready to be punished. Thoroughly.”

He leans forward to purr all too sweetly into your ear. 

“And I have just the method. Be a good girl and behave for me won’t you? I’d hate to have to gag you.”

His tone was so full of relish you know if you so much as try it he’ll follow through. 

[kazuyaasai-serenaspencerli]

The morning sunrise hits upon your face, making you squint when you open your eyes. Sitting up, you yawn and turn to look beside you. And there he is, sleeping peacefully by your side. A smile forms on your lips as you shift more closer to him. Disheveled hair, calm breathing, his peaceful expression while sleeping. This image of his is stuck inside your head.

How lucky I am to be by your side... You mutter.

Your fingers reaches out and gently stroke his cheek and gave him a soft peck at the tip of his nose

"Good morning, love".

༻ ♡ ♡ ♡ ༺

MORNING

༻ ♡ ♡ ♡ ༺

PLAYLIST | MASTERLIST

[beneathashadytree]

GAVIN BAI MASTERLIST

fluff: normal, angst: italics, smut: bold

Asleep (oneshot)

Stiff (oneshot)

[spacesquidlings]

Tissue Paper Hearts

Valentines day is approaching, and Gavin finds himself bending to the whims of his tiny daughters, sitting at his kitchen table amidst the glittery storm of their Valentines crafts. His heart aches for his wife, away on a trip, but it also aches from all the love he feels for the family he's built with her.

Pairing: Gavin Bai x OC (Rowan)

Warnings: None

********************************************

There was glitter on the floor. Or rather, there was glittering falling to the floor, cascading through the air like stardust trailing after a shooting star.

There was glitter covering the kitchen tiles. There was glitter in Stella’s heavy winter coat. There was glitter caught in eyelashes and clinging to cheeks and hair. Little hands were covered in glue and stickers, somehow more glitter trailing up their arms, embedded in their nails, catching the light as it sparkled from their ears.

Gavin sat at the kitchen table watching his daughters as they argued over the craft supplies scattered across the table. There were ribbons and glue and pom-poms and stickers and pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks and foam and so many scraps of colourful construction paper that it made him dizzy. And yet the girls continued to fight over the three containers of glitter, puffs of it exploding into the air every time one of them yanked it from her sisters.

Gavin had long since given up any hope of avoiding the clouds of sparkling shrapnel, his hair and shirt practically coated in pink and gold glitter. He also had paint running up his arms, although it was not from anything he had been doing.

It was almost Valentines, and Aurora and Wisteria had been tasked with making valentines cards for each of their classmates. Cordelia and Gardenia were still much too little for school, but that didn’t stop them from trying to participate, making their own messy valentines with their older sisters.

Gavin’s participation had been compulsory, both Aurora and Wisteria taking his hands and whining until he’d caved and agreed to help them put their cards together.

Not that it had taken much pleading on their end. They’d just had to snuggle up on either side of him and give him the biggest puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. Wisteria had even managed to summon crocodile tears to streak down her cheeks while they both pleaded with him to help them with their valentines.

They hadn’t wanted the store-bought ones, although Gavin knew Rowan had a soft spot for them and used to sneak one under everyone’s pillows along with a little treat or toy the night before valentines. No, the girls had wanted to make original ones. With different shapes and ribbons and stickers and so so much glitter.

And how was he supposed to say no to their sweet little faces? How was he supposed to say no when the twins got involved, crawling into his lap and asking him to help?

So he had caved almost immediately, setting the paperwork he’d hoped to get done that afternoon aside and scooping the twins up while Aurora and Wisteria squealed, racing towards the kitchen.

And now he was sitting at the kitchen table, listening to them squabble over the craft supplies while he carefully wrapped an empty tissue box in layers of pink tissue paper.

“Daddy,” Wisteria said, poking her head up from the chair she had squished herself onto with Aurora.

“What is it, baked potato?” He asked, his brow furrowing as he focused on folding the tissue paper so it didn’t tear before he taped it.

“When is mommy coming home?”

He looked up then, his heart aching the tiniest, littlest bit.

“She’ll be home tonight,” he promised, his eyes shifting towards the hallway that led to the front door. The door he kept wishing would creak open, followed by footsteps and the sing-song voice of his favourite person.

Stella would race and skitter into the wall in her haste to get to the door, the girls would squeal and shout as they stumbled over each other to greet their mama. And Rowan would smile and fall to the floor to gather them into her arms and smother them in kisses, laughing as they all tried to talk at once, their voices melding together in a cacophony of noise.

And then she would look up at him and her smile would grow soft and her cheeks would stain pink and he would kiss her brow. And once the girls had scattered and Stella grew bored he would scoop her into his arms and hold her close the rest of the day.

But she wasn’t due back for hours yet. There had been a couple day event she’d wanted to go to with her friends, and even though she had hesitated, not wanting to leave the girls for even a day, Gavin had convinced her to go. He could take care of the girls just fine on his own, and she deserved to have time with her friends.

But that didn’t mean he hadn’t missed her since the moment the front door had closed behind her. His heart ached, his chest feeling hollow, his body cold. He missed her smile, missed her voice, missed her idle chatter during the day. He missed waking up next to her in the morning, missed snuggling into bed with her at night.

It had only been a few days and yet it had felt like an eternity.

She’d been due back that day, and he’d been unable to stop himself from staring at the door. From walking past it every so often, straining his ears for the sound of the lock turning, of a car in the driveway dropping her off.

But of course she wouldn’t be back until the sun had set and the stars had bloomed across the sky, and the sun was still brilliant and gold as it streamed through the kitchen windows, setting the room alight.

“Do you miss mommy?” Aurora asked, her amber eyes wide and sad.

“I do,” he said, trying and failing to turn his attention back to the four tissue boxes he had to help decorate. “I miss her a lot.”

Aurora leaned forward, giving his hand a light pat. “She’ll be home soon! And then you can hug her lots!”

He smiled, his heart growing warm as Aurora beamed up at him. She was so sweet and gentle and kind. He reached out to tossle her hair, chuckling. “I love you, sweet potato. You’ll be able to hug mommy soon, too.”

“Oh good,” Wisteria heaved, letting her head fall to the table, stretching her arms out in front of her. “She kept asking me for extra hugs.”

“You were the one with nightmares!” Aurora cried, looking heartbroken at the idea that her sister didn’t want hugs.

She turned to Gavin, her wide eyes lined in silver, her bottom lip quivering. “She wanted hugs! She had nightmares!”

“You wanted hugs too,” Wisteria grumbled. “You kept crying after daddy turned the lights off.”

“I did not,” she whined, shaking her head.

Gavin did his best to hold in his sigh. Aurora had cried a lot after she’d been put to bed for the last few days. Rowan was usually the one that put her and Wisteria to bed, and Aurora usually ended up cuddling with Rowan for a very long while before finally being tucked into her blankets and going to sleep.

He’d intervened every night since Rowan had been gone, finding Wisteria and Aurora cuddled up together, Aurora’s usually rosy cheeks streaked with tears. Wisteria would already be half asleep, but Aurora would still be sniffling and whimpering as Gavin gently untangled them before lifting Aurora up, clutching her close. And each night he’d inevitably taken her back to bed to sleep with him, her little hands clinging to his shirt so tightly there’d been no hope of her letting go.

He and Rowan had sneaking suspicions that Wisteria wasn’t the only one having nightmares, but Aurora refused to say a word about it if she was.

But he’d just held Aurora very tightly until her sobs had quieted and her breathing had slowed and her little fists had finally loosened from his shirt. And then once she’d finally fallen asleep he’d felt comfortable enough letting himself slip away into oblivion too.

Aurora continued to stare at him, new tears slipping down her cheeks. Gavin only shook his head, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “You’ve been very brave, sweet potato. And I’m sure mommy will want a million hugs from you once she’s back.”

Aurora sniffled, but her smile quickly returned. “I can’t wait to show her our valentines! I hope she’ll think they’re pretty.”

“I’m sure she will,” he said, his gaze flicking over the array of different coloured hearts smothered in ribbons and glitter. He couldn’t help smiling a little, already picturing her face in his mind, lighting up at the mess scattered across the kitchen table.

He could practically hear her squealing with delight, bending over the table to sing ‘These are wonderful! They’re so pretty!’

“Daddy, have you finished the mailboxes yet?”

Wisteria’s voice drew Gavin from his imagination, his heart aching a little as he remembered Rowan was not yet home, and she could not smile at him and the girls and their glittery mess.

Gavin stared down at the tissue box in his hand, the second of four he’d been instructed to put together. He shook his head, showing Wisteria. “Not yet. They’re taking me a while to make.”

Wisteria pouted, narrowing her eyes as she surveyed his work. “It needs more stickers, daddy.”

Gavin frowned as he looked at the tissue box in his hand. “It’s got lots of stickers on it.”

“It needs more!” She cried, throwing her arms up. “More! Stickers!”

Gavin nodded, electing to agree with her on this. He was not, after all, a professional tissue box decorator. And Wisteria, as she very often liked to say, was a professional at deciding where stickers went.

Although he did have to question her decisions when the stickers ended up stuck to the table and the cabinets and somehow the ceiling in the living room.

He wasn’t sure he wanted to know how the stickers had gotten up there.

Aurora reached across the table, dragging a bottle of liquid glue towards her.

“Do you need some help with that?” Gavin asked, starting to stand so he could move next to her.

“Daddy you have to put the stickers on the box!” Wisteria cried, the twins giggling at her outburst. “‘Rora is an expert!”

Aurora bobbed her head, holding the glue bottle up over her head like a trophy. “I’m okay! I’m very careful.”

She hadn’t even finished her sentence before glue spilled from the cap, dripping onto her dress.

Aurora paused, blinking in confusion as she stared down at the glob of glue. Her brows knit together in confusion, her bottom lip sticking out as she contemplated the accident.

“Oh.”

Gavin bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, even as Wisteria and the twins gasped in horror.

Aurora slowly turned her face towards Gavin, looking more confused than anything. “Daddy, please help.”

This time he really couldn’t stop himself from snorting as he stood, grabbing a napkin before kneeling next to her. “Let me get that before it dries.”

“I’m sorry, daddy,” she murmured, her little shoulders slumping forward. “I didn’t mean to.”

“I know,” he said, making sure to keep his voice soft and calm for her. “It’s alright. The cap probably wasn’t screwed on tight enough.”

She sniffled. “Will my dress be okay?”

He smiled up at her, having caught the glue in time before it could congeal that it was barely even noticeable. “Practically good as new.”

Aurora clapped her hands, grinning as he stood. “Thank you for helping.”

He ruffled her hair, making his way back to his seat as the girls returned to their cards. They bickered over some of the supplies, heaving great, dramatic sighs as they settled for some other task. For his part, Gavin did his best to nod along, 4 different conversations twisting and twining into the air until they all grew so muddled he could not for the life of him figure out who was talking about what.

So he nodded along, adding little “ohs” and “hmms” where he saw fit, while keeping himself focused on the tissue boxes until all four were complete.

“Well, what do we think?” Gavin asked, brandishing the tissue boxes when their conversations quieted.

The twins gasped, squealing as they tried to take the boxes from Gavin.

“Perfect!” Cordelia sang.

“I love it,” Gardenia breathed, clutching hers to her chest.

Aurora had a similar reaction, although a line formed between her brows the more she stared at her box, spinning it around on the table in front of her.

Wisteria was uncharacteristically quiet, setting the box to the side and immediately staring up at the ceiling.

Gavin tipped his head to the side, concern bubbling in his chest. What was Wisteria thinking about?

“Hey baked potato,” he said, trying to stop his worry from staining his words. Her eyes had a faraway look in them, the look usually reserved for when she was thinking of something particularly mischievous. “What are you thinking of?”

Wisteria blinked, slowly sliding her amber gaze down until she met Gavin’s. She blinked again, seeming lost for a moment. And then her eyes cleared and she shrugged. “I’m hungry.”

Now it was Gavin’s turn to blink. He hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. But the sun was already beginning to set, and when he checked the time he saw that it was almost time for dinner.

Which was not good, because he hadn’t had anything planned for the night yet.

“I want McDonalds,” Wisteria said, crossing her arms and nodding, as if that was the wisest thing anyone had ever said. “I want a big mac.”

“You’re too short for a big mac,” Aurora said, rolling her eyes.

Wisteria lifted her chin. “I want two big macs!”

Gavin snorted, pulling his phone out. Maybe takeout tonight wouldn’t be such a bad thing. It was getting late and it would take him at least an hour to make anything.

Aurora leapt to her feet as she saw Gavin’s phone light up. “I want McDonalds too, daddy! They have barbies! I want a barbie!”

“Well I want a dinosaur,” Wisteria countered, sounding awfully haughty for a six year old who demanded two burgers when she’d never even been able to finish one.

“They don’t give toys with big macs,” Gavin said, arching a brow. “You can get a happy meal if you want the toy.”

Wisteria groaned, flopping back in her chair. “Fine, I will take the happy meal.”

Cordelia turned to Gavin with wide eyes, Gardenia beside her with her hands clasped over her heart. “Can we have nuggies?”

Gavin stood so he could scoop both twins into his arms, squeezing them tight as they squealed. “Of course you both can have nuggets.”

He tossed one over each shoulder, chuckling as they tried to crawl onto his head. “Careful, we don’t want you two to fall.”

“We’re careful!” Cordelia said, sounding as indignant as a four year old could.

“Very careful,” Gardenia added, right as she yanked on Gavin’s hair to steady herself.

He winced, pulling up the delivery app for their food.

He’d only just made the order when Aurora’s expression grew pensive as she again spun her tissue box around.

“Is there something wrong with your box, Aurora?” He asked, reaching up to grab Cordelia as she wobbled on his shoulder.

Aurora shook her head. “No. I was just thinking.”

“And what were you thinking?”

She tipped her head to the side, wrinkling her nose. “Do we have two more of these?”

“Two more tissue boxes?”

She nodded, patting her own box. “Yeah.”

He hummed, bouncing as he walked towards the cupboard they kept the spare tissues and toilet paper and paper towels in. The twins giggled, clutching at his head as he walked.

Gavin crouched, gently setting the twins down as he rifled through the cupboard until he found the boxes. They were full, but he would just stack those extra tissues with the others he’d had to remove for the girls’ boxes.

“We definitely have two more,” he said, twisting around to show Aurora the two boxes.

“Can I have them?” She asked, hopping down from her chair, her little hands reaching out to take them.

Gavin narrowed his eyes and he paused, trying to figure out why she would need two more tissue boxes.

“For a craft!” Aurora announced, wiggling her fingers when he didn’t cough up the box.

“What kind of craft?”

She crossed her arms. “It’s a surprise!”

He frowned, trying to figure out if there was anything particularly troublesome she could do with two tissue boxes. But this was also Aurora and she was not the criminal mastermind of the four.

Finally he relented, handing the two additional boxes to her. “And you’re sure you won’t tell me what you’re up to?”

Aurora shook her head, skipping back to the table. “Nope!”

He sighed, scooping the twins back up and spinning them around. “Should we get back to your valentines now, tater tots!”

They squealed, clutching at his shoulders as he spun them.

“Actually,” Aurora said, standing up on her chair with her hands on her fist. “Daddy, you need to leave.”

Gavin paused, staring at her as Wisteria stood up behind her, looking particularly gleeful at his sudden banishment.

“Pardon?”

“You have to leave,” she said again.

“You have to go, daddy!” Wisteria cried, seeming far too happy.

“Why?”

“For the surprise,” Aurora said, staring at him like the answer was obvious.

“Why can’t I be here?”

“Go!” Wisteria squealed, giggling as she jumped to her feet, mimicking Aurora’s pose.

“Because it’s a surprise,” Aurora groaned, rolling her eyes. “You can’t see it if it’s a surprise, daddy.”

“Get out of here!” Wisteria sang, jabbing her finger at the door. “Shoo!”

Cordelia giggled, waving her hand in the same direction as Wisteria. “Shoo!”

Gavin groaned, pressing his face against the top of Cordelia’s head. “Not you too, tater tot.”

“Shoo,” Gardenia whispered, covering her mouth with her little hands as she giggled.

Gavin sighed, shaking his head. “I’ve been outnumbered.”

Aurora hopped down from her chair, Wisteria following after her, her Sailor Moon themed skirt fluttering in the air as she bounced behind her older sister.

Aurora pressed her palms against Gavin’s legs, shoving him towards the door. “Daddy you have to go!”

Wisteria joined in Aurora’s shenanigans, pushing him towards the door. “Gotta go! ‘Rora said so!”

“Since when do you listen to Aurora?” He asked, bemused as the twins continued to giggle.

“Since now!”

He chuckled, stumbling towards the door. “Okay, okay, I’m going.”

“Wait!” Aurora shouted, jumping away and racing in front of Gavin.

He arched a brow. “Wait?”

“Leave Cordelia and Gardenia.”

The twins squealed, immediately wiggling in Gavin’s arms as they tried to get down.

“What do you mean?!” He asked, feeling childishly indignant as he clutched the twins tighter. “You want me to be on my own?”

Aurora paused, her expression growing pensive. “You could have Stella with you! She’ll keep you company.”

Gavin blinked. “But not a single one of my own daughters?”

Aurora sighed, patting Gavin’s leg as if that offered any comfort to him as he finally let the twins escape his arms. “We love you daddy!”

“We just don’t want you here right now,” Wisteria added, giving him a bright smile as if she’d just told him something very sweet.

“Well I can’t argue with that,” he muttered, letting them shove him the rest of the way out of the room.

“Go have a nap!” Aurora said, waving at him as he finally made his way from the kitchen. “You’re always telling us and mommy to have a nap! You should have one.”

He arched a brow again. “I’m not tired.”

“That’s what you think,” she said, the twins in the background still parroting “shoo! Shoo!” and giggling like it was the funniest thing in the world.

“Cuddle with Stella! You’ll feel nice and sleepy after that.”

Sighing, Gavin felt as though he had no choice but to make the lonely trek to the living room. He had been banished from the kitchen, the sounds of the girls’ giggles echoing behind him, trailing in his wake as he trudged forward.

He couldn’t help feeling a little sad, even if they were just playing around. He’d been having fun, he liked listening to them chatter, and he liked helping them with their crafts.

He sighed, falling back onto the couch and throwing his arm over his face. A few moments later and he felt Stella’s nose bumping against his palm, her nails clicking on the hardwood floors as she tapped her paws impatiently.

“They’ve kicked me out, Stella,” he said, his hand flopping down so he could scratch between her ears. “They’ve kicked me out of the kitchen!”

Stella whined, tapping her paws again before hopping up onto the couch and wiggling next to him.

He arched a brow as she wagged her tail, her paws planted on his chest.

“Oh, the other pets weren’t as good for you?”

She grumbled in response, glaring at him until he resumed scratching between her ears and down her back.

“I wish Rowan were here,” he murmured, his gaze sliding towards the front. “She would sit with me.”

Stella whined, flopping onto her side.

“She would cuddle with me,” Gavin continued, imagining Rowan nestled against him. Her head would be on his chest, her hair splayed around her like a halo. Her fingers tracing invisible shapes against his arm as she teased him for being kicked out by the girls. And then she would tilt her head up and press a kiss just beneath his jaw. And then she would tell him that she loves him more than anything.

Stella whined louder, smacking her paw against his face, knocking him back to the present. To a world where Rowan hadn’t yet returned home.

He closed his eyes, groaning as he returned to petting Stella. “You’re awfully needy today.”

In a very remarkable turn of events, Stella did not have a reply.

Gavin snorted. “You must miss Rowan, too.”

She tried pressing closer, and Gavin sighed, letting her cuddle up with him. Rowan usually snuggled her like this, like she was a big plush toy. Or maybe a very fluffy baby. And Stella would snore softly, content to cuddle with Rowan all day if she let her.

“I miss her too,” Gavin sighed. “I miss her so much.”

Stella yawned, opening her eyes for one moment to peer at him curiously before closing them again.

“Although if she were here, you would not be getting these cuddles,” he said, flicking Stella’s ear. “Rowan would have beaten you to it. She would have been laying on me before I’d even laid down.”

He hummed, his eyes beginning to feel heavy. Or maybe he would have carried her. Would have scooped her into his arms and settled her on his chest as he’d laid back on the couch. Just so he could stay close to her. And he loved to carry her, loved to clutch her close to his heart, to feel her breath on his skin as she pressed her face against his throat.

He loved to press kisses to the top of her head, to feel the touch of her lips as she brushed featherlight kisses beneath his jaw in return. To feel her arms circling his throat as she tried pressing herself closer.

He even loved the little way she would pout when he tried to get up. To go to the bathroom or to get a snack or to help one of the girls who had somehow gotten her head stuck between banisters on the stairs. She would squirm in his arms and pout and give him big, puppy dog eyes, begging him not to get up. Which only made him hurry through whatever he was doing faster, just so he could be back with her again.

He hadn’t realized his eyes had grown so heavy until he was half asleep, dreaming of Rowan’s hand in his and her hair tickling his cheek as it blew against his face.

And then he was being very roughly awoken by a pair of tiny hands smacking his arm.

“Daddy,” Wisteria whined, wrinkling her nose as she pouted. “Daddy, I need you to cut something.”

Gavin squinted, unable to focus on the paper Wisteria was waving through the air. “What do you need me to cut, baked potato?”

“These!” Wisteria squealed, squeezing her eyes shut and jumping.

He chuckled as he sat up, trying to take the paper from her hand. “I don’t know what these are.”

“Valentines! They’re valentines!”

He nodded, gently taking the safety scissors from her other hand and cutting out the messy shapes sketched over the paper.

“I wanted to cut them myself, but Aurora and Gardenia told me not to,” Wisteria pouted. “I was gonna make them so pretty.”

He silently thanked Aurora and Gardenia for remembering the rules he and Rowan had made about scissors. He was sure Wisteria remembered too, but he doubted she would pay attention to the rule if she didn’t want to.

“Well when you’re bigger you’ll be able to cut up as much paper as you want.”

She huffed, taking her newly cut valentines and marching from the room. “I’m already tall!”

“Stella is taller than you.”

Wisteria spun around, jumping up onto her toes. “She is not! See?!”

Gavin snorted, getting up as Wisteria stretched her arms above her head, as if that would somehow prove how tall she was. He was going to pick her up and toss her into the air, but she squealed before he could get close, sprinting away shouting that he’d “never catch her alive.”

He shrugged, heading back towards the couch. But he hadn’t even sat down yet when Aurora wandered in, a hot glue gun in one hand and a half decorated tissue box in the other.

“Daddy,” she whined, holding them up. “Will you please help me?”

He stood up again, taking the glue gun from her little hand. How could he say no to her?

“What do you need me to do, sweet potato?”

“Can you glue the tissue paper?” She asked, pointing to tissue paper held on by tape and shiny heart-shaped stickers.

He wrinkled his brow. “You didn’t want to use a glue stick for this?”

She shook her head, pointing to the stick of unmelted glue in the glue gun. “I wanted to use the sparkly glue mommy bought! It’s so pretty!”

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before moving to the nearest wall outlet and plugging the glue gun in. “This must be an awfully special craft to use the sparkly glue.”

Aurora nodded her head very seriously.

“Who’s it for?”

Her face broke out into a giant grin. “Nice try! I’m not telling!”

He chuckled. “You’re too smart for me, sweet potato.”

She bobbed her head, watching his work carefully as he began squeezing out some of the glue. “I’m the smartest! I can count all the way to a hundred!”

Gavin hummed, grinning as she beamed at him. “That’s very impressive.”

“Do you wanna hear?”

He opened his mouth to say maybe not, but it was too late, she had already started reciting the numbers, her hands clasped in front of her chest as if she were reciting a solemn vow.

Gavin nodded along, carefully gluing down the layers of tissue paper she’d taped to the box until it was swathed in pink and purple and yellow and so much glitter glue some of the sparkles were spiralling to the floor.

But she wasn’t yet done counting, so Gavin just unplugged the glue gun and waited, the tissue box nestled in his lap as he cupped his chin, listening to her quietly.

“Ninety-seven, ninety-eight,” Aurora took a great big breath, squeezing her eyes closed as she continued. “Ninety-nine, one hundred!”

Gavin clapped, figuring that was the best response to give to her as her eyes flew open and she beamed at him, dancing on her toes.

“Was that good?” She asked, bouncing up and down.

“That was amazing,” he applauded. “You were amazing, sweet potato.”

She giggled, wiggling her shoulders. “Thank you, daddy! I’m very smart, right?”

“Oh the smartest.”

She hiccuped, throwing her arms around his neck. “I love you, daddy!”

He wrapped his arms around her little body, holding her close. He loved her so much. He loved his tiny little daughter with all his heart.

“I love you, too.”

She giggled, jumping back to pick up the tissue box. “Okay! I’m going back to finish the surprise now!”

“Since I helped, will you tell me anything about it?”

She grinned wide. “Nope! I don’t wanna ruin the surprise!”

He snorted as she skipped away, back to the kitchen. He really wasn’t going to know what they were up to, was he?

Which was a shocking revelation if he were being honest. Because not even a full ten minutes had passed before Aurora was back, asking him to cut some shapes for her out of a glittery golden card stock. And barely three minutes after that Gardenia toddled out to ask him to help her take some stickers off a sheet.

And then Gardenia came back to complain about Cordelia paying more attention to her pet rock than to her own sisters. Gavin had needed to bite the inside of his cheek to hold back the grin that was threatening to burst across his face while Gardenia vented to him.

Cordelia loved that rock, and treated it like a pet, and even had a special bed just for the rock to sleep in each night.

But sometimes she would give the rock just a little too much attention, and she’d end up completely ignoring her sisters. And while Aurora and Wisteria were big enough not to get too upset over it, Gardenia was the littlest, and she often clung to her twin like they were combined, and she was always heartbroken when Cordelia ignored her in favour of her favourite toy.

So Gavin gathered Gardenia up into his arms, rocking her gently as her words turned incoherent, fat tears slipping down her cheeks. She clutched his shirt tightly, pressing her face against his shoulder when she felt too overwhelmed to make even the tiniest noise.

He pressed kisses to the top of her head, murmuring that he loved her, that her sister loved her, that Cordelia was trying to have fun with her toy, that she was still important to her twin. That she was so incredibly important to him and Rowan.

She sniffled, slowly peeling away from his shirt to stare up at him with puffy, red-rimmed eyes. Her bottom lip trembled, and snot dripped from her nose.

“Promise?” She pleaded, her voice small and fragile as she stared up at him.

“I promise, tater tot,” he murmured, gently wiping the tears from her eyes. “Me and mommy love you so much. You’re so important.”

“And Cordelia loves me?”

“Of course she does,” he said. He pulled the sleeve of his shirt over his hand, wiping the snot from her nose. “You’re her sister. She loves you more than anything.”

Gardenia’s expression darkened. “More than her rocks?”

“Much more than her rocks.”

Gardenia nodded for a minute, seeming uncertain. Then after a few moments her little hands twisted in the fabric of his shirt and she peered up at him gravely.

“I wanna stay with you,” she mumbled, her brows drawing low. “Wanna stay.”

“You can stay with me,” he said, smiling as he leaned back against the pillows of the couch, kissing the top of her head. “You can stay as long as you want, tater tot.”

“Okay,” her voice was little more than a breath, but she looked relieved, like she couldn’t stand going back into the kitchen with the others.

“Why don’t I put a movie on for you. How does that sound?”

She nodded her head, but remained quiet as he scrolled through their extensive selection of Barbie movies, searching for Gardenia’s favourite.

“That one, daddy,” she muttered, pointing at the screen as he paused over Fairytopia.

“This one?” He asked, clicking the title so an image of barbie with a very sparkly pair of wings appeared on the screen.

“Yes.”

He smiled as he hit play, glad to see she had calmed down a little. She wasn’t sniffling anymore, and she’d relaxed her death-grip on his shirt. She kicked her legs idly, stretching out on his chest, her eyes glued to the television screen as the opening credits played.

He couldn’t help chuckling as she giggled, delighted as a strange little blue creature appeared on screen. He wanted her happy, he wanted to be able to make her and her sisters happy.

He would watch a million doll-inspired films on repeat for eternity if it meant he could make them happy, if it meant listening to her laughter as the weird blue creature chattered incomprehensibly.

He didn’t even realize he was falling asleep until he awoke with a start, feeling something sticky pressing against his cheek.

Musical laughter curled upwards, muffled only by a soft voice hissing “quiet! We can’t wake him.”

Gavin chose that exact moment to open his eyes, startling the girls as they fell backwards in a pile of giggles and bright amber eyes.

“And why should you not wake me?” he asked, unable to stop himself from grinning as they all gasped with laughter. Wisteria, in particular, seemed the most delighted, laughing louder than all her sisters, her eyes filled with mischief.

She was also the one holding a glue stick.

He cocked his head to the side, crossing his arms as they continued to laugh. “Well? What do you girls have to say for yourself? Wisteria”

Wisteria snorted, covering her face as she squealed.

“Aurora?”

Aurora bit down on her bottom lip, shaking her head.

“Cordelia?”

She just cackled, rolling over and pressing her face against Aurora’s tummy.

Gavin turned to Gardenia, whose tiny shoulders were shaking from laughing, her eyes shining like stars, not a single trace of her earlier tears and distress to be found on her round, rosy face.

Whatever was happening here, it was all worth it.

“Gardenia? Do you have something to say?”

She whipped her head to the side, staring right at Wisteria, as if looking to be told what to say.

“‘DENIA, NO!” Wisteria squealed, her eyes widening as Gavin zeroed in on her.

“You’re the mastermind I see,” he announced, scooping her up before she could scamper away.

“SAVE ME!” She cried, squirming desperately in his arms.

But the other three did not come to her rescue, all of them skittering away, hiding behind chairs and the coffee table as Gavin started tickling Wisteria until she was gasping with laughter.

“You’re under arrest!” He said, laughing as Wisteria wiggled and squirmed in his arms. “Now confess! What did you do!”

She tried pushing his arms away to no avail. “-Was just a few googly eyes!”

Gavin narrowed his eyes, pausing as he lifted a hand to his cheek, feeling something small and plastic attached to his face.

“You glued googly eyes to my face?”

Wisteria snickered, covering her mouth, refusing to admit to anything.

“It’s too late, your sisters ratted you out!”

“Did not!” Gardenia shouted, sounding indignant as she stood up and put her fists on her hips. “I did nothing!”

“So you’re all guilty then?” He asked, cocking his head to the side.

Three pairs of eyes widened, and before he could take even a step they all sprinted from the room, screaming with laughter, their footsteps echoing in their wake.

“You’ll never catch them!” Wisteria sang, seeming awfully proud for someone who was already caught.

Gavin arched a brow, tickling her once more for good measure. “We’ll see about that!”

He chased them around the house, listening for the telltale creak of the floor beneath their feet or their ragged breaths from running nonstop. He paused on the other side of doors, straining his ears to listen for sweet little giggles, peeking underneath beds to see if there was a little body shaking with laughter as he shocked them.

They only stopped once a knock on the door echoed through the house, sending Stella racing for the door, eager to meet whoever had stopped on their front step.

Aurora helped hold Stella back while Gavin retrieved the food, waving at the delivery driver in thanks even as Stella barked, her paws scratching against the hardwood of the entrance. She whined as he closed the door, clearly heartbroken at being denied the chance to make a new friend.

Aurora patted Stella’s head, cooing softly, telling her it was okay, they’d get her some extra treats to make up for it.

Gavin ruffled Aurora’s hair as he walked past, narrowing his eyes as he swept his gaze down the hall, where the twins had plopped down, playing with a few dolls.

“Where’s your sister?” He asked, furrowing his brow as he counted three heads.

Three.

Where was the fourth?

Cordelia and Gardenia pointed at each other, staring up at him with big innocent eyes that seemed a little suspicious if he were being honest. But still he couldn’t help snorting as he turned to Aurora, who was still petting Stella and very pointedly not looking at Gavin.

“Aurora?” He asked, arching a brow as her shoulders stiffened. “Where’s your sister?”

“Which one?” She asked, her voice squeaking.

He sighed. “Wisteria.”

She shrugged, refusing to look up at him. “I don’t know. Wisteria likes to hide.”

He pressed his mouth into a thin line, humming as he surveyed the room. There wasn’t anywhere for Wisteria to hide here. Which meant she was hiding somewhere else.

Waiting.

Or perhaps just sleeping. She fell asleep a little too often in her preferred hiding places.

He did his best not to swear as his stomach churned. They’d probably end up searching for her all night.

But the other girls didn’t seem to share his same concern, instead acting blissfully ignorant as they played amongst themselves.

Gavin lifted the bag of food in the air, struggling to keep his expression neutral as they all jumped to their feet. “We’re not eating until we find your sister.”

They all gasped, but none so loud as Wisteria, who emerged from her hidden fortress with messy hair and sleep heavy eyes, gaping at him.

“What do you mean?!”

He scooped her up before she could think better of revealing herself, tossing her over his shoulder. “Caught you!”

“No fair, daddy!” She cried, smacking his back. “You tricked us!”

“I did mean it,” he said, bouncing in place. “We wouldn’t have eaten until we found you.”

Which was probably the only way they would have found her.

Wisteria grumbled, wiggling limply, as if that would somehow free her from his arms.

“Do you not want your burger?” He asked. “I could give it to one of your sisters. Or Stella maybe.”

“No!” She shrieked, pulling back so she could slap her hands on either side of his face, holding his gaze. “I want it! I want the burger!”

“Then no more hiding for today.”

She wilted instantly, sighing. “Okay.”

Gavin would have laughed had Aurora not very abruptly yanked on his shirt then, stopping him on his way to the kitchen.

“You can’t go into the kitchen!” She cried. “You’ll ruin the surprise!”

“Where are we supposed to eat then?”

“The couch!” She said, rolling her eyes like it was obvious. “Then we can watch a movie!”

Gardenia bounced up and down behind Aurora. “Like Barbie!”

Even Wisteria was nodding along, her expression serious. “She’s right.”

Gavin blinked, turning to Cordelia hoping to find a little support. But she was standing at his side, hopping up and down trying to pry the takeout bag from his hand and not listening to a single thing being said.

“I want nuggets,” she hissed, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the bag.

He sighed, defeated. He supposed he could live a life without ever going into the kitchen again.

So they made their way to the living room instead, all four girls flanking him and watching him like golden-eyed vultures as he took out each of their dinners.

“Did I get a barbie?” Gardenia asked curiously, making grabby hands at one of the tightly packaged happy meals.

Gavin opened it up to peek inside, spotting the bright blonde hair of the doll included in the meal. He looked back up at Gardenia, her bottom lip quivering.

“Why don’t you take a look for yourself?”

He handed her the happy meal, balancing the bottom as she struggled to hold it in her hands. He had to bite down on the inside of his cheek to stop himself from smiling and spoiling the surprise, even as Gardenia eyed the box suspiciously. She hummed, settling it in her lap as she cautiously pulled the lid open.

And then her eyes bugged out as she spotted the plastic Barbie doll in the box, and she squealed as she thrust it into the air.

“I got the Barbie!”

Gavin ruffled her hair, sunshine flooding his heart. She was too busy playing with her new doll to pay much attention to him, but she did shoot him a small smile before returning to her play.

“Alright,” he said, distributing the remaining happy meals. “Let’s eat our food first, and then we can play, okay potatoes?”

“Okay,” they all echoed, not listening to him at all as they removed their toys first.

“Eat,” he insisted, gently setting their food in their laps. “Before Stella eats your food for you!”

His timing was perfect, because just as he said it, Stella walked into the room, her tail wagging and her attention zeroing on the food.

The girls shrieked, jumping backwards and pressing themselves against the back of the couch.

“Get away, Stella!” Wisteria shouted, holding her burger over her head.

“Go way!” Cordelia cried.

Gardenia only whined, pressing her face against Gavin’s shoulder, squeezing her eyes shut. “Want my nuggies.”

Only Aurora seemed unperturbed, hopping down from the couch with her happy meal swinging from her hand. She nestled up next to Stella, prying open her box and carefully setting aside her own Barbie doll.

“Figures only ‘Rora would be able to sit with Stella,” Wisteria grumbled, flopping onto her back. “Stella wouldn’t want her food.”

“Stella doesn’t take my food because we have an understanding,” Aurora said primly, delicately taking out her McDonalds hotcakes and flipping open the container.

“And what kind of understanding is that?” Gavin asked, gently pushing Cordelia away as she tried to take the top bun of his burger off to steal the pickles.

“That we’re best friends,” she said, beaming. “And she wouldn’t steal food from her best friend!”

“It’s ‘cause she’s got treats in her pocket,” Wisteria muttered, glowering down at her burger. “That’s why Stella doesn’t eat her foods.”

Gavin hummed, not bothering to mention that it was actually because of him that Stella wouldn’t take Aurora’s food, or any of their food. Not unless it was offered, anyways. He’d done his best to be strict about stealing food when she’d been a puppy, and now she was the model of perfection. She could sit next to the table as they ate and she wouldn’t even try to beg.

Usually, anyways. Unless one of the girls snuck her their scraps. Or Rowan shared some of their food while she was cooking.

Gavin pressed his lips into a thin line. He’d have to work on being stricter with the girls, too. They really couldn’t have Stella start begging for food. She was a pretty big dog, and she was smart, and they had to be careful she didn’t get too rough or too demanding.

Although she seemed to be doing alright so far. Aurora was pouring syrup onto her hotcakes and Stella had curled up around her, snoring quietly.

Maybe it would be alright.

For now, anyways.

“Daddy,” Wisteria said, tugging on Gavin’s sleeve, drawing his attention. “You look like you’re going to fart.”

Gavin blinked, forgetting what he’d been thinking about. “I’m sorry?”

“Did you eat something that hurt your tummy?” She asked, tugging on his sleeve again. “Do you need the medicine mommy gives us?”

Cordelia pulled a face. “Yucky.”

“Stinky!” Gardenia cried.

Gavin blinked again, lost. “I’m okay, I was just thinking.”

Wisteria snickered. “Thinking about farting.”

“Wisteria Faye!”

She continued to giggle, finally taking a bite of her burger.

Gavin sighed, turning up the movie’s volume. Maybe Barbie would distract them from poking fun at him for a few moments.

It unfortunately did not keep them occupied in the least. Because the moment they had finished scarfing down their food they turned their attention to his.

Aurora was first, softly padding across the room and leaning against his lap, peering up at him with wide puppy-dog eyes. She poked his arm before reaching for his half-eaten burger, not even asking permission.

He rolled his eyes, holding it out for her so she could pick it up. “Save some for me.”

She grinned, taking the biggest bite he had ever seen before scampering away to finish her apple slices.

Then the twins stole his fries, in big fistfuls at a time, not even trying to be sneaky about it.

And then Wisteria grabbed his drink, nearly spilling it as she tried balancing the large in her tiny hands.

“Careful,” he hissed, balancing it as pop spilled from the top.

“I’m very careful,” she sang, right as she spilled more pop onto her skirt.

Gavin decided now was not the time to make a comment on that.

His eyes felt heavy as he cleaned up the empty takeout bags and containers. Wisteria was slumped on the couch, blankets wrapped around her like a cocoon, already fast asleep. The twins’ attention was glued to the television and the saturated pinks and blues and yellows of the magical Barbie movie currently playing.

Gavin narrowed his eyes. Was this the same movie they’d been watching before? He thought that movie was only an hour.

“Is this the same movie?” He asked no one in particular, not really expecting any of the girls to respond.

But Aurora heard him, and she snorted, as if he’d asked the silliest question in the world. “The last movie was Fairytopia, this one is Mermaidia, daddy.”

“Ah,” he nodded, more confused than he was before. “Those are different, right?”

“It’s the sequel!” Aurora sang, beaming up at him. “There’s a third one too!” She paused, her brow wrinkling as she turned back to look up at the television. “Although I like the first one best.”

He nodded again, still lost. There were three? How could there possibly be three?

“When this one is over I think it’ll be time for bed,” he said, running a hand through his hair, exhaustion weighing down his body.

It wasn’t even that late, and yet he felt like he could sleep for years.

Although sleep wouldn’t bring any comfort without Rowan with him. The bed was so much colder and lonelier and harder somehow. He’d spent years sleeping without many comforts, but now he couldn’t imagine sleeping without the soft curves of her body pressed against him. Without the weight of her head against his chest and the extra blankets she always draped over the bed claiming she was cold.

He’d tossed and turned all night since she’d gone on her trip, and he didn’t think he could handle another night sleeping alone.

“NO!” Aurora shrieked, jumping to her feet. “The surprise isn’t done yet!”

“It’s late, sweet potato,” he said. “It’s almost bedtime already.”

She shook her head furiously. “Daddy, no! You have to let us finish our surprise!”

He arched a brow, feeling himself caving already. “Do you think you can finish it in the next hour?”

“Yes! Absolutely!”

Gavin fell back against the couch, Wisteria slumping over and falling against his side. “Alright. Then you can work on it for another hour.”

“Thank you daddy!” She cried, hopping onto his lap and kissing his cheek.

He smiled, hugging her tight for a moment, her excitement infectious. “But afterwards you have to get ready for bed. Promise?”

“I prommy!” She sang, jumping back down. “Cordelia! Gardenia!”

The twins snapped to attention, their eyes widening.

“Let’s go! We have to finish our surprise!”

They crawled to their feet, sprinting towards the kitchen while Aurora frowned at Wisteria.

“She’s gonna be mad when I wake her,” she grumbled, taking a tentative step towards her sister.

“You could let her sleep.”

Aurora’s brow furrowed, as if she were considering what he’d said. But then she just shrugged, ripping the blanket off of her sister.

Wisteria gasped, her eyes flying open. “Fuck!”

“Wisteria Faye,” Gavin chastised. “You do not say that.”

She blinked up at him innocently, as if she hadn’t done a single thing wrong.

“We’ve told you before not to say that,” he said, trying to keep his voice even as she continued to blink, her eyes blank.

There was only one person Wisteria would have learned that from.

Gavin was going to kill his brother the next time he saw them.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, her voice uncharacteristically small.

Gavin narrowed his eyes, pretty sure she was feigning ignorance.

But then he sighed, running a hand over his face. “Go finish your craft with your sisters. It’s almost bedtime.”

“I’m not tired!”

“There’s drool on your chin,” Aurora said, tipping her head to the side. “You slept through the end of Fairytopia.”

“I did not!”

Aurora just shrugged, turning towards the kitchen.

Wisteria scoffed, staring up at Gavin in disbelief. “I’m not sleepy!”

He just hummed, pressing his mouth together in a thin line.

Wisteria ran off in a huff, her little fists clenched as she chased after her sister. Gavin could hear shouting coming from the kitchen, followed by squealing laughter and claps.

He chuckled, crossing his arms as he turned his attention up to the television.

He pursed his lips, Barbie looking deeply upset as she turned into a mermaid.

He… He didn’t have to keep watching Barbie if the girls were doing their crafts.

It was only after Stella climbed up onto the couch that he finally leaned forward to grab the remote, switching off Barbie to Star Wars, wincing as the opening theme thundered through the room.

“Why did we have the music up so loud,” he mumbled, turning it down low enough that he didn’t have to worry about hearing damage.

Although it was probably too late for that.

He didn’t even make it past the opening scroll before one of the girls walked into the living room, asking for help gluing ribbons to a heart-shaped piece of construction paper.

And then another one asking him to cut something out for them.

And another asking for help with some stickers.

Yet somehow, despite how many times they asked him for help, he could not fathom what they were making.

He had his suspicions, of course. He’d worked on the force for years now, helping to solve ordinary cases and evol cases alike. He wouldn’t be a particularly good officer if he didn’t have at least some theories on what the girls were making.

But somehow, other than mere inklings, he had no clue what they were up to.

They were making more of their Valentines mailboxes, he was almost certain. But why? For who? Was it for their tea parties? Was it for something else?

Was it for Rowan maybe? But why would they be hiding it from him?

Maybe they were piling their favourite cookies into the boxes and hiding them in their rooms.

Although Aurora was the only one that had tried that, and she’d given it up after Stella had found her stashes twice.

“Daddy?”

Gavin blinked, drawn back to the present by a tiny hand pulling on his shirt.

“What is it, baked potato?”

Wisteria held up a handful of pipe cleaners. “Can you turn these into shapes, please?”

He nodded, taking them one at a time and bending them into the little shapes and animals she requested until there was a pile of miniature, fuzzy creatures scattered on the couch next to him.

“Thank you!” She sang, scooping them all up and cradling them in her palms. “You’re the best at crafts!”

He ruffled her hair, his chest feeling warm and radiant as the sun. “I’m glad I could help.”

“Next time we have a surprise, you should be part of it,” she grumbled. “‘Rora’s idea was good, but I wants you to help.”

“You know I could help,” he said, feeling a little bad for prodding at their super secret craft, but still desperately wanting to know what they were up to. “If you told me what you were doing.”

Wisteria wrinkled her nose, seeming to consider his words. Then she burst into laughter, shaking her head so hard her hair whipped past her face. “No!”

She laughed louder, covering her face, her shoulders shaking. “‘Rora told me you’d try that!”

He snorted. “It was worth a try.”

“I’m not a snitch!” She sang, spinning around. “Not a snitch!”

He watched as she skipped away, singing “not a snitch” over and over to herself, until she vanished from view.

Now he was even more curious.

And when had the girls gotten so smart?

Gavin narrowed his eyes, leaning back against the cushions, raising his arm so Stella could nestle her head in his lap.

Hadn’t they been smaller yesterday? Hadn’t Wisteria still been stumbling over saying mama? Hadn’t Aurora still been speaking with that sweet little lisp?

He blinked. No, they were much bigger now. The twins were walking and speaking in complete sentences. Aurora could count to one hundred, as she’d been very quick to remind him, and knew to warn her sisters against spilling the beans. Knew Gavin would try to figure it out.

And Wisteria…

Wisteria was already trying to plot pranks on him at the drop of a hat. And she was the one that often sent him and Rowan on a wild goose chase while they searched all over the house for whatever new hiding place she’d discovered that day.

She was too smart.

He closed his eyes, scratching between Stella’s ears. It didn’t seem fair that they’d gotten so big already. They used to be so small, he’d been able to hold them all in his arms at once.

Now he could maybe carry two in his arms easily enough, as long as they didn’t wiggle and make him lose his grip.

He opened his eyes, trying to force himself to focus on his movie and not on the strange ocean his thoughts were drowning in.

His girls were still little, it wasn’t like any of them were packing up and moving out tomorrow. And even if they were he would still love them. He would love them forever, with all of his heart. Whether they were little or all grown up.

Although he was pretty sure they wouldn’t want cuddles when they were older, and he would surely miss waking up to his girls trying to crawl between him and Rowan for early morning hugs.

Gavin let the girls work on their “surprise” a little longer than he’d said he would, his movie almost over before Aurora sauntered into the living room, grinning up at him quite smugly.

“We’re done!” She announced, raising her arms up. “We’re all done our surprise!”

He paused the movie, his brows rising as he leaned forward. “It’s all done?”

“All done!”

“It’s alright for me to go into the kitchen?”

“Yes! We’ve already hidden it!”

He chuckled, standing so he could walk over to her and scoop her up. “Perfect timing, sweet potato. I’d say it’s time for bed then.”

Aurora nodded, looking very solemn. “Gardenia almost fell asleep.”

“And Cordelia?”

“She ate a spoonful of sugar.”

Fuck.

He paused, clenching his jaw.

“Did I say that out loud?”

“What out loud?”

He heaved a sigh of relief. Okay, he was still in the clear. Which meant his brother absolutely would have to pay for swearing in front of the girls.

“Never mind,” he said, hefting her up higher. “Let’s go get your sisters.”

His tone held more confidence than he felt as he stepped into the kitchen, finding Gardenia curled up in a little ball on the floor, her hands cushioned under her cheek. Wisteria was nowhere to be found, which he should have anticipated, and Cordelia was currently trying to climb onto the counters using the drawers as stairs.

“Cordelia Sage!” He did his best not to shout, but he couldn’t stop the icy fear that shot through him like a spear, his mind racing as a million images flashed through his mind.

Cordelia didn’t have time to react before he’d scooped her up, clutching her to his chest.

“We don’t climb on that,” he said, her voice wavering as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “We don’t climb on the counters.”

“Daddy?” Her voice was small, muffled against his shirt.

“You could get hurt,” he said, his heartbeat starting to slow, even as his stomach continued to churn. “You could have fallen.”

She whimpered, and he loosened his hold on her, letting her peel away to look up at him.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, trying to keep his voice soft, trying to keep it gentle and even. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her.

She had probably just started to feel hyper from the sugar, and no one had ever expressly told her not to try using the drawers to climb onto the counter.

Mostly because she’d never done it before. None of them had.

“I’m sorry for raising my voice,” he said, kissing her brow. “You scared me. You could have gotten hurt.”

She nodded, her amber eyes wide and bright. “I’m sorry.”

He nodded, breathing deeply. “It’s okay. You didn’t know, tater tot.”

She nestled her head back under his chin, her hands twisting into his shirt as she sniffled.

“Why don’t we get you all ready for bed,” he breathed, rubbing her back. “It looks like your sister is already asleep.”

He plucked Gardenia from the floor, cradling her in his other arm. “I think your bed will be much better than the floor, tater tot.”

She sighed, nuzzling closer.

Gavin started heading towards the stairs, but paused shooting Aurora a look before he left. “Find your sister.”

Aurora copied his expression, shrugging. “I don’t know where she is.”

“I think you do.”

She crossed her arms, huffing as she spun around. “I’m not a snitch.”

He chuckled, carrying the twins off to bed. Aurora was clearly not going to be much help at all. Which meant he’d have to find Wisteria on his own.

“She’s in the cupboard,” Cordelia whispered furtively. Her eyes snapped from side to side, as if she was revealing top secret information that would devastate the world if it got out.

He grinned, kissing the top of her head. “Thank you, Cordelia.”

“Daddy?”

“Hm?”

“Whaz a snitch?”

He snorted, kissing her head again. “Nothing you need to worry about. Something silly Aurora and Wisteria talk about.”

“They’re silly.”

“I agree,” he said. “Although you’re pretty silly too.”

She giggled as he bounced her in the air, waving her hands in the air. “You’re silly!”

He played with her for a while longer, Gardenia sleeping peacefully in his other arm even as Cordelia laughed. Her cheeks and ears turned bright red as she snorted between laughs, the sound so utterly infectious Gavin couldn’t help laughing too.

Rowan snorted when she laughed, too, and the sound made him happier than he’d thought it could.

Once Cordelia’s laughter finally petered out, it was surprisingly easy to get her ready for bed. He tossed her onto her bed while he woke Gardenia up long enough to get her pajamas on and get her tucked into bed. And when he turned around Cordelia had already tried getting her pajamas over her head, although she’d forgotten to take her shirt off beforehand.

He snorted, helping her to get changed. “Thank you for trying to help, tater tot.”

She beamed up at him, clutching her favourite plush dinosaur as he tucked her in. “I wubs you, daddy.”

He smoothed her hair back. “I wubs you, too.”

She giggled. “Have good dreams, daddy.”

“You too, love.”

His heart was warm as he descended the stairs, like perhaps his heart was made of sunshine.

He reached the kitchen and found Aurora bouncing on her toes, her hands behind her back.

“Find your sister yet?”

She shook her head.

“Alright,” he drawled, making his way to the only cupboard big enough for Wisteria to fit into. “So you’re telling me you don’t think she’s in-”

“- Here!” He threw the cupboard door open to find a half-asleep Wisteria blinking at the sudden light pouring into her hiding place.

Wisteria looked awfully confused as he pulled her out, heaving her over his shoulder. “Daddy, what are you doing?”

“It’s bedtime, baked potato.”

“I’m not sleepy,” she whined, yawning. “Not at all!”

He pressed his lips together in a vain attempt to stop himself from smiling. “Well you still have to go to bed, love.”

“Don’t wanna.”

“If you do, you’ll see mommy quicker.”

Both girls gasped at the same time. “Mommy?!”

He nodded, taking Aurora’s hand and leading them both upstairs. “Mommy will be home very very late, so you’ll see her in the morning.”

“I wanna see mommy,” Wisteria whimpered. “She wraps me like a burrito.”

“I can wrap you up like a burrito,” he offered, shouldering open their bedroom door.

“It’s not the same,” she whimpered. “Mommy has a burrito song.”

“A burrito song?”

“Yes! The Wisteria Burrito Special song.”

He snorted, setting her down into her little nest of stuffed animals and blankets so he could find her pajamas. “I’ll have to ask her about it when she comes home.”

“You must,” Wisteria sang, poking her head out of her nest. “It’s the best.”

“I think there’s better songs,” Aurora grumbled. “Like all the ones I make up!”

“‘Rora you make up a new song every day.”

“Do not!”

“Do too!”

Gavin tossed a blanket over Aurora’s head, making her laugh. “No fighting! It’s bedtime!”

“Will you read us a story?” Aurora asked, shoving the blanket to the side.

“Of course. But only if you both get changed very quick now!”

They shrieked, running around the bedroom trying to collect the stories they wanted him to read while he pulled out their pajamas. And neither of them made a fuss as he helped them change and carted them off to the bathroom to brush their teeth and wash their faces.

And four books later he was able to shut the lights off and creep from their room, shutting the door behind him.

He snuck down the stairs, careful to avoid the spots that squeaked beneath his weight. They probably wouldn’t completely fall asleep for another 20 minutes, but he didn’t want to make too much noise and give them an excuse to crawl from bed and search him out.

He’d probably shut his movie off and work on his paperwork before heading to bed. He needed to get at least a little bit of work done before the day was done, and he didn’t think he had the energy to stay up until the sky turned the soft grey that preceded the buttery gold light that stained the world as the sun rose.

He hadn’t stayed up so late in years. It had worried Rowan whenever he did, especially when he let slip that he usually just didn’t sleep until the following night if he stayed up so late. And after the girls were born he hadn’t ever had the energy to stay up until the crack of dawn if he didn’t have to. He’d gotten sleep where he could, sometimes passing out at his desk at work if he had a spare moment.

And now he just didn’t have the energy for it at all. There would be no staying up until the sun rose completing paperwork.

Although perhaps he could let himself stay up a little later tonight to finish his movie. If only so he could put off opening the door to his empty bedroom, could delay pulling back the covers and settling into a lonely bed.

Rowan would be back by the time he woke up, but tomorrow felt like an eternity away. He wanted her back now.

Running a hand over his face, he fell back against the couch, dragging a fluffy blanket over his lap before reaching for where he’d abandoned his work on the coffee table.

But all his plans to get work done scattered like sparkles thrown to the wind the moment he’d settled into his own makeshift nest of blankets. Because suddenly he just felt just so perfectly warm, and the blankets were awfully soft, and they smelled a little like Rowan, and his eyes were so heavy he could hardly keep them open.

Maybe if he just let his eyes close for a little he would be able to get his work done. Just for a moment, just to let himself rest.

But that moment turned into hours, his mind quickly drifting into unconsciousness, not even noticing the massive explosion in his movie, too deep in his own dreams to even register the crescendo of music that spilled from the speakers as the main characters cheered.

It wasn’t until the living room was bathed in shadows, the following movie nearly at its end, that he began to awaken.

His mind was slow, his thoughts sluggish. He tried to breathe, but felt something heavy pressing against his chest, restricting his air.

He forced his eyes open, finding Stella curled up on his chest, her nose pressed between her front paws as she slept.

“Hey,” he croaked, his voice heavy with sleep. “You need to get up so I can go to bed.”

The words had barely fallen from his lips when a click cut through the quiet shadows.

The lock.

The front door lock.

Stella sat up instantly, her tail wagging as she turned towards the door.

Was he dreaming?

But no, surely he wasn’t dreaming. This was too real. The sounds too sharp, too loud. They would be dull and muffled if he were dreaming.

At least he hoped, anyways.

He heard it open, heard the shuffling of feet, of suitcase wheels smacking against the floor as they were yanked over the threshold.

Stella jumped to the floor, making sure she stepped right on Gavin’s stomach as she did. Her outline melted into the shadows, the sound of her nails on the floor echoing as she went to investigate what was happening.

And then the loudest, most excited barks sounded from down the hall, followed by shrieking laughter as Stella welcomed her mom back home.

“Stella!” He heard her squeal. “I missed you!”

Gavin was on his feet in an instant, still not entirely sure this wasn’t a dream. Because the living room was gone in a minute, his feet carrying him through the shadows until he was standing in the entrance, standing before his wife, who had toppled to the ground, no doubt after Stella had thrown her entire body against her.

Rowan laughed, trying and failing to push Stella away as she licked her face, whining.

“I missed you too! I did, I did!” She laughed, snorting when she was almost shoved back again. “But you have to let me get my shoes off! I need to find your daddy!”

Stella did not seem like she had any plans to let Rowan stand up, her tail wagging so quickly it was little more than a brown blur in the air.

So Gavin leaned down, grasping Stella’s collar and giving her a gentle yank.

“Give your mom some space,” he said, his stomach flipping like he was in the midst of a freefall, his heart stumbling like he was just a boy again with a crush. “She’s probably very tired.”

Rowan opened her eyes as she was finally given a bit of space to breathe, her gaze sliding up until it met Gavin’s.

And then her smile widened and the little dimple on her cheek appeared and her cheeks stained the pink of a rosy dawn. And then she stood and threw her arms around his neck, stumbling as Stella knocked into her wrestling free from Gavin’s grip.

“I missed you,” she cried, burying her face against his shoulder, breathing deeply. “Oh Gavin, I missed you.”

He wrapped his arms around her before he could think, drawing her close, holding her so tight he should have been worried that she would break. But he needed her close. Needed her pressed against him, needing to feel her heartbeat against his chest. Needed to bury his face in her hair and breathe in the smell of her shampoo, feel the warmth of her body as it fit against his.

He was starving for her presence, desperate for the slightest touch. And now she was here, now she was in his arms, and he couldn’t bear to let her go, to let there be even a whisper of space between them.

He needed her.

His eyes burned and he squeezed them shut, pressing his face against the top of her head, his voice muffled as he spoke. “I missed you, too.”

They stood there for what could have been years, watery moonlight staining the curtains, casting pallid shapes against the walls in the hallway. She smelled so good, she felt so good against him. Soft and warm and home where she was safe.

He didn’t want to let her go.

“Gavin,” she murmured, her arms growing loose. “I have to unpack my things and shower.”

He whined, holding her tighter, his body curled forward as he buried his face against her neck.

“Babey,” she breathed, rubbing his back. “I smell, I really need to shower.”

“-don’t wanna let go yet,” he grumbled.

“Babey-”

“No.”

He knew he sounded like a whiny toddler on the verge of a tantrum, but he didn’t want to let go. How was he supposed to let go of her? What if she vanished into the shadows? What if he woke up and realized this was a dream?

No, he couldn’t. He couldn’t let go.

So he didn’t.

He leaned down instead, Rowan gasping as he scooped her up, cradling her against his chest.

“Gavin, what are you doing?” She hissed, the corners of her lips tilting up, betraying her. She was trying so hard to look serious, but he could see the way her eyes crinkled, the way she was struggling to hold her smile back.

“I’m not letting you go,” he said, his voice gruff.

“I can see that,” she teased, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck. “But I still need to unpack and shower.”

He shook his head as he made his way up the stairs. “I’ll help you. As long as I don’t have to let you go.”

“My soap is in my bag.”

“You can use mine.”

She narrowed her eyes, tugging on his ear. “I’m not using your 2-in-1 shampoo.”

Gavin heaved a long, deep sigh before turning around and heading back to the front door to grab her bag.

“That’s an awfully dramatic sigh,” she said, running a hand through his hair.

“I learned it from Wisteria,” he said, struggling to balance both the suitcase and Rowan in his arms.

But there was no way he was letting her go. He was not putting her down.

“She’s quite the little drama queen.”

He snorted, pressing a kiss to the top of Rowan’s head. “You should have heard her today.”

“What did she do?”

“What didn’t she do is a better question.”

Rowan giggled, covering her mouth as they moved past the girls’ bedrooms.

“I’ve missed them all so much,” she whispered, leaning against his shoulder. “Waking up was so lonely.”

He chuckled, shouldering open their bedroom door before finally setting down the suitcase. “You miss getting kicked first thing in the morning?”

She rolled her eyes. “Well no, but I miss hearing them when I first wake up. I miss holding them as they wiggle around and hearing them tell me about their dreams.”

“Well I can promise they will be full of wiggles tomorrow,” he said, setting her down for a moment. “They could hardly sleep, they were excited.”

She arched a brow. “You let me go.”

He threaded his fingers with hers, using one hand to unzip her suitcase, grinning. “Did not.”

Rowan snorted, taking the bag of soaps and toiletries he handed her. “It’s almost like you missed me.”

He straightened, tugging her towards him. “I’ve missed you so much, Rowan.”

He leaned down, his body curling over hers as his brow bumped against hers, their breath tangling together. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too,” she breathed. “I’ve missed you so much.”

He smiled, leaning closer, his lips barely a whisper of a breath from hers. “So I’m not going to let go for a while, okay?”

She squeezed his hand, humming her agreement.

“Good,” he murmured, brushing a featherlight kiss against her lips. “I’m glad we agree.”

Gavin was true to his word, unable to stop himself from threading his fingers with hers, or wrapping his arm around her waist, or pressing his fingers against her shoulders, or brushing his hand down her beck.

He had to be close, he had to hold her.

The shower Rowan had insisted on ended up taking much longer than they usually did, although Gavin didn’t really mind. It was difficult for her to wash her hair or her body when Gavin was holding her hand, or clutching her against his chest as soap suds streaked down her legs.

But eventually, despite Gavin’s interference, they both were able to get cleaned up, and then he was wrapping her in the biggest, fluffiest towel they ended and carrying her back to their room, water trailing in their wake.

“You know I do know how to use my legs.”

“I want to carry you,” he murmured, settling her onto the bed before turning to search through their dresser for her pajamas.

The rosy pink ones, with the soft shorts and the loose, flowy top with the bee embroidered on the sleeves. They were her favourites, and he remembered folding them and putting them away the day before.

“You’re not carrying me right now.”

He peeked over his shoulder at her, arching a brow as she grinned. “Don’t tempt me.”

“I would never dream of it,” she said, kicking her legs out in front of her, clutching the ends of the towel to her chest, her smile just a little too sunny for how tired she’d claimed she was. “Not ever.”

Gavin pursed his lips, humming as he finally unearthed the pajamas and pulled them free from the drawer. “No, I’m sure you wouldn’t.”

“I mean,” she started, trailing off as Gavin smirked, placing the pajamas next to her. “I might a little.”

He settled his hands on either side of her on the bed, leaning forward until his nose bumped against hers, until he could feel her breath against his lips.

“Only a little?” He asked, letting his voice dip low, his eyes falling to her lips.

She swallowed, her eyes widening a little. Her lips trembled, and he watched how they opened and closed, like she was trying to find something to say and coming up with nothing.

He leaned closer, just enough to close that little bit of distance between them. She tilted her head up, whimpering quietly as he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips.

But then just as swiftly as he had kissed her, he pulled away, grinning at the crimson blush that had bloomed in her cheeks.

Her brow furrowed, her shoulders slumping as she stared up at him. “What was that?”

His heart fluttered like birds’ wings taking flight at the whine in her voice, his words clogging in his throat for a moment at the sight of her pout, of her flushed face, of the way she leaned towards him still. Like she was hoping he would still sweep her into a long, passionate embrace.

The thought had crossed his mind, but he also was trying to think at least a little reasonably. It was late, and she had been travelling all day, and she had just had a very busy few days with her friends.

What she needed was rest. To be tucked into the softest sheets and kissed gently and held while she slept until golden daylight set their room aglow.

But still he didn’t think there was anything wrong with teasing her a little.

He shrugged. “I thought I might tempt you.” He paused, trying not to smile as she gaped. “Just a little.”

She stuck her bottom lip out more now, furrowing her brow. “That’s not fair.”

He leaned back down, pressing a kiss to her brow. “I think it’s completely fair.”

His chest tightened as he stepped away, not wanting to be so far away. But he also knew there were a few things he needed to do for her right now before bed.

“Get dressed,” he said, keeping his voice soft. “I’ll go get you something small to eat.”

“You don’t need to,” she said, clutching the towel tighter. “You’ve been taking care of the girls all on your own. That’s not exactly easy.”

He shrugged. “They’re our girls, they’re worth it.”

She opened her mouth, like she was ready to argue more, but he cut her off. “And so are you.”

She wrinkled her nose. “It’s late, you should sleep.”

“I will,” he said, opening the bedroom door. “Once I get my wife a snack and something to drink.”

He didn’t give her time to argue as he walked out the door and back down the stairs. He was sure she was still staring at where he’d been standing a few moments ago, whatever argument she’d been about to spout still on the tip of her tongue.

He chuckled, popping open the tupperware container with the cupcakes the girls had insisted on baking the day before. The girls had even iced them themselves, and although they were a little messy, they were perfect. 

He picked one with pink icing and pink sprinkles, setting it on a little plate so he didn’t get the icing all over his hands as he carried it. The girls had truly done their best, but there was enough icing on each cupcake to frost an entire cake, and it spilled over the sides of the cupcakes at even the slightest movement.

He licked off a splotch of cherry blossom pink icing from the side of his hand as he pulled down Rowan’s favourite mug and searched out her favourite non-caffeinated tea. The one that she said tasted like chocolate and mint.

He had to search through a few different tins of teas, popping the lid open and smelling each one before he was pretty sure he’d stumbled upon the right one. And by then the kettle had boiled, and all he had to do was put the teabag in the mug and let it sit for a few moments while he collected the milk and sugar.

Once her small snack was prepared he headed back upstairs, wondering if she’d actually gotten changed or if she would still be sitting in her towel.

It didn’t matter. If she still wasn’t dressed he would just have to help her with that, too.

But when he shouldered open the door again Rowan had changed, and she was sitting up in bed, the blankets tucked around her.

Her eyes grew round, glittering when the light caught in them as she looked at what he had brought. “Babey, you really didn’t have to.”

He set the plate and the mug on the bedside table next to her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I want to take care of you, pumpkin.”

She cast her eyes down, twisting the quilt between her fingers. “I just don’t want you to go out of your way. Even if it’s something small. I don’t want to be a burden.”

Gavin perched on the bed next to her, drawing her into his arms. “You’re not a burden, princess. I love you, and I want to take care of you. Okay?”

He pressed his forehead against hers, running his fingers through her hair. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” she said, her voice small. “Nothing is wrong. I just feel bad for making you do so much. I feel bad for going away.”

He snorted, closing his eyes. “It’s hardly anything. And you still do so much more than I do. And you’re always alone with the girls when I go away on missions.”

She sighed, and he felt her hands at his waist now, worrying the fabric of his shirt. “But I still feel bad. Your job is serious and hard and it was selfish of me to go away.”

He cracked his eyes open enough to find her gaze before poking her in the side. “It’s not selfish to do something for yourself, pumpkin.”

“But-”

He sighed, gently covering her mouth to stifle the argument. “You’re more than just their mother, Rowan. You’re allowed to do things for yourself. It’s not selfish.”

She furrowed her brow, and he was pretty sure she tried to lick his hand to get him to pull it away, but by this point he was immune to any tricks like that. Wisteria had stuck her damp finger in his ear too many times and the twins had tried licking his hands too many times while he’d played with them to recoil from it anymore.

“I’m their parent, too,” he continued, smirking as she tried gently biting his thumb this time.

That would also not work. Their girls’ teeth were much sharper than Rowan’s.

“And I am more than capable of taking care of them on my own. Of course I’ve missed you, but I’ve missed you because I love you.”

Her shoulders slumped forward and she nodded.

“And work has been nothing but paperwork for the last week,” he said, exhaustion creeping through him as he remembered the stack of paperwork that was very much not done still sitting on the coffee table downstairs. “It’s not like I’ve been overwhelmed lately.”

Rowan sighed, casting her eyes down.

“I’m going to take my hand away now,” he said, keeping his voice soft. “You’re not going to argue with me, right?”

She shook her head, her bangs falling over her eyes.

He would have to schedule a hair appointment for her in the morning. Make sure it included all the things she liked best about those appointments.

“Okay, good,” he let his hand fall from her face before wiping it against the quilt. “I love you, princess. You don’t need to feel bad. You’re not selfish. And I should be doing more for you anyways.”

“You already do so much though,” she said, her eyes widening. “You’ve turned down a lot of missions to stay home.”

“I still go away for weeks sometimes,” he said, cupping her cheek. “And that isn’t fair. I’m still working on switching some things up. But it’s because I want to, I want to be home for my family. I want to take care of my girls.”

She nodded, but her expression remained melancholy.

“Hey,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her nose. “Don’t frown. I love your smile so much, and I’ve missed it.”

She closed her eyes, leaning against him. “I feel tired. And I missed you and the girls.”

“We missed you too,” he breathed, rubbing her back. “If you’re tired why don’t you have your snack and then we’ll go to bed, alright?”

She made a grumbling noise he decided meant her assent, and reached over to scoop up the plate and settle it in her lap.

“Why don’t you try the cupcake,” he offered, rubbing her back even as she peeled away to look down at her lap. “The girls insisted on making cupcakes yesterday. They even frosted them all.”

A small smile played at the corners of her lips. “Did Aurora frost this one?”

He nodded, brushing her hair back from her face. “She did.”

“It looks like her work. She always makes everything so pink.”

He chuckled. “Reminds me of her mother.”

“It’s a wonderful colour,” she said primly, lifting the cupcake up to take a bite. “It’s very pretty, and lots of pretty things are pink.”

He hummed, stroking her cheek absently. “Like your cheeks when you blush. Or your lips. Or…” He trailed off, grinning as he leaned closer, his hand falling to her thigh. “A very different part of you.”

“Gavin,” she scolded, her cheeks turning pink as a sunset sky. “I was going to say like flowers, or the sky at dawn.”

He chuckled, brushing a kiss against the corner of her very pink lips. “I like mine better.”

“I’m going to smack you,” she grumbled.

“After being gone? You would hit your -”

He didn’t get a chance to finish as she smacked his arm. He coughed, covering his face to hide his smile as she looked at him triumphantly. “I would.”

He kissed her cheek again, his arms wrapping around her waist. “I’m sorry for teasing you.”

“No you’re not.”

“I am a little sorry,” he said, burying his face against her shoulder. “But not that much.”

“I didn’t think so.”

He chuckled, clutching her close and chatting absently as she ate and sipped her tea. Did she have fun? What did she do? Did she bring back any souvenirs? Did she eat any good foods?

Did she miss him?

“How do you feel now?” He murmured, gently prying the mug from her hands when she was finally done, her eyes drooping even as she struggled to keep them open.

“A little better,” she said, trying and failing to stifle a yawn. “I feel weird, though.”

He furrowed his brow as he helped her to lay back. “Weird how?”

She shrugged. “Kind of nauseous? And my body is aching really badly.”

“Did you catch something?” He asked, pressing the back of his hand to her brow. “Maybe it’s a bug?”

“Maybe,” she mused, holding her arms out to him, wiggling her fingers. “Although I think my period is a bit late, so it’s probably that.”

He hummed, taking note of her not-so-subtle hint that she wanted to be held as he drew her into his arms. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Just bear with me when I start crying if I spill anything.”

He chuckled, kissing the top of her head as he tucked her beneath his chin. “I’ll make sure I’m ready with plenty of hugs and your favourite things.”

“I’ll just need you,” she murmured, yawning again. “Just you, babey.”

“You mean you won’t want to watch Barbie movies with the girls and eat desserts for dinner?”

“I mean,” she said, nestling closer. “Maybe that too.”

“I’ll let the girls know to pick out their favourites for a movie marathon.”

Her voice was smaller now, softer as she slipped towards unconsciousness. “I can’t wait.”

Gavin felt her breath even out as she fell asleep, her arms around him growing slack as her dreams took her. But he continued to hold her tight, fighting against his own drowsiness, not wanting to slip away yet.

He wanted to stay awake for a while longer, he wanted to hold her tight, to feel her warm and soft and safe against him. To feel her heartbeat against his chest, her breath curling against his neck. To hear the soft sounds she made in her sleep, the rustle of the blankets as she shifted, trying to curl into a ball.

But sleep eventually found him, as much as Gavin fought against it. He slipped away into the sea of unconsciousness, the feel of her body against his filling his mind with dreams of holding her close, of drawing her into his lap when she walked past. Of picking her up as they hiked through a hazy twilight forest. Of twirling her in the air, her feet skidding across the rosy surface of the ocean as they stood in the foamy surf. Of tucking her close as she shivered during the climax of a horror movie they’d been watching with faceless friends.

He dreamed of her, dreamed of her arms around him, of her body against his. Pieces of memories shared with her flitting through his mind like scraps of confetti, weaving through the murky, surreal landscape of his sleeping mind.

It was only when something pale and buttery and golden cut through the unending dusk that seemed to blanket his dreams did he feel himself slowly drawn from their depths. The light grew brighter, and he felt his arms tightening, his dream self still clutching his dream Rowan, who was curled in his arms and holding him tight.

Then he felt his body moving against its will, felt pressure on his belly, his chest, felt a shiver race down his spine. He was reeled further from his dreams, his dream Rowan melting from his arms even as the feel of her body remained.

He shivered again, heard tiny, muffled voices calling out to him. But it was only when tiny fingers poked his face, when they tried peeling his eyes open did he finally fully awaken.

“Daddy!” Wisteria squealed, bouncing backwards as he blinked, rubbing the eye she had been poking at so mercilessly. “Good morning!”

He squinted, craning his neck to peer at the clock mounted on the wall next to the door.

It was six in the morning.

He pressed his lips into a thin line. He hadn’t exactly planned on getting up at six today, not when he’d wanted to sleep in and cuddle with his wife until much, much later. But he also supposed he wasn’t exactly in charge of what time everyone got up.

If the girls decided they were getting up at six he guessed they were getting up at six.

Aurora and the twins were both crawling next to Rowan, throwing themselves over her side and calling out to her, trying to wake her up. And from the way she was struggling not to laugh, he knew she was already wide awake.

“Daddy,” Wisteria whined, tugging at his arm. “You need to move.”

He arched a brow, lifting her up into the air as she squirmed. “What are you doing, baked potato?”

She sighed, rolling her eyes. “Getting you to move!”

“And why is that?”

“So I can cuddle with mommy!”

“I’m cuddling with mommy,” Aurora said, throwing her arms around Rowan’s neck. “Me!”

“But I want to!” Wisteria wailed, all while both the twins managed to worm their way between Gavin and Rowan.

Rowan giggled, cracking an eye open as Cordelia kneed her in the stomach. “I’ll cuddle all of you, I promise.”

“Did you miss us?!” Aurora asked, nearly headbutting Rowan in her attempt to give her a kiss. “Did you miss us so much?!”

“I missed you so much,” Rowan sang, rolling onto her back to draw the three wiggling girls against her chest. “I miss you all so so much.”

“Let me hug mommy!” Wisteria cried, still squirming fruitlessly in Gavin’s arms.

“Alright,” he laughed, setting her down so she could throw herself onto Rowan’s stomach.

Rowan winced, but still reached down to ruffle Wisteria’s hair. “I missed you, little baked potato.”

Wisteria sniffled, burying her face against Rowan’s shirt. “I missed you mommy.”

Gavin didn’t have time to ask if it was possible for him to squeeze in with the girls, still wanting to hold his Rowan close. Not when Aurora sat up and fell backwards, her eyes lightning up like stars.

“Mommy,” she sang, hopping to her feet and pointing to the floor at the foot of the bed. “We have a surprise for you and daddy!”

Rowan arched a brow, gently shoving the girls to the side as she sat up, peeking over the edge of the bed. “What is it, sweet potato?”

Gavin sat up too, peeling the covers back to stand so he could walk around the bed to see what they had placed there.

And there, sitting on the floor, were what used to be two tissue boxes, covered in pink tissue paper and stickers and glitter and pipe cleaner animals and construction paper shapes, stuffed with handmade cards from the girls.

He chuckled, holding them both up for Rowan to see.

“Happy Valentines day!” Aurora squealed, falling back against the pillows. “Happy Valentines to the best mommy and daddy in the world!”

Gavin wanted to scoop up each of the girls and cover their faces with kisses. His heart felt like it was filled with sunshine and glitter. Like he was made of starlight and happiness.

“For me?” Rowan asked, taking one of the boxes before grabbing the closest girl and pressing kisses to her cheeks.

“That tickles!” Cordelia squealed, laughing as Rowan kissed her.

“I’m just very happy,” Rowan sang, releasing Cordelia before Aurora fell into her arms next. “I’m so happy to be home.”

“You gotta open the cards now!” Wisteria whined, bouncing on the bed. “Right, ‘Rora?”

Aurora nodded, her expression solemn. “You have to open the cards! We made lots and lots of special ones just for you and daddy!”

“That I didn’t help with at all, right?” Gavin asked, his voice laced with sarcasm, remembering all the things he’d glued and cut out and all the pipe cleaner animals and shapes he had made at Wisteria’s request.

Rowan snorted, kissing the top of Aurora’s head. “I’m very sure.”

She looked back up at him, patting the bed next to her, her bottom lip sticking out in the teeniest pout. “Won’t you sit next to me, babey.”

He settled the second box on the bed before crossing his arms. “Am I even allowed to sit on the bed?”

Wisteria fell back onto Gavin’s pillow, shaking her head. “No! You had mommy all night!”

“Wisteria Faye!” Rowan cried, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. “Let your daddy sit there. I’ve missed him.”

“But I missed you more,” Wisteria whined, flopping onto Rowan’s lap. She threw her arms up, waving her hands. “I missed you this much!”

Rowan’s brows shot up, and her smile softened. “That’s an awful lot.”

Wisteria nodded. “It is.”

“But if you missed me that much, don’t you think your daddy missed me that much too?” She asked, pushing Wisteria’s hair back from her face. “I’m his very best friend, you know.”

Wisteria’s eyes widened as she wiggled closer to Rowan. “You are?”

Rowan nodded, her eyes flicking up to find Gavin’s. He felt a little lightheaded, if he were being honest, like perhaps this might have still been a dream. The morning light was so golden, Rowan’s smile so beautiful, the sunshine in his heart so warm. So light, so brilliant. He felt like maybe his veins were filled with bubbling golden champagne.

His chest ached to hold her again, his fingers itched to cup her face, his body felt cold without her against him.

He felt a little like he was made of gossamer and light. Of a spring breeze and quiet laughter.

“I am,” Rowan said, lowering her voice until she spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. “He tells me all his secrets, you know. And travels with me, and goes to the arcade with me, and he takes me to the beach and all my favourite places.”

Wisteria hummed, glaring at Gavin for a very long moment. “Okay daddy, you can sit next to mommy.”

He chuckled, thankful for Wisteria’s approval. He pulled the blankets back and crawled back into bed, pressing a kiss to Rowan’s cheek.

“Thank you for your blessing, baked potato,” he said, ruffling Wisteria’s hair. “I still feel a little sleepy.”

“But it’s so late!” Aurora cried, hanging from Rowan’s neck.

“It’s not even seven, sweet potato,” Rowan murmured, patting Aurora’s cheek. “It’s very early, and me and daddy were up very late.”

“We’ll just have to have naps then!” Aurora sang, grinning broadly as she let go of Rowan and flopped onto her side. “We can get all the big blankies and cuddle on the couch.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Gavin said, holding his arms out as Gardenia crawled onto his lap.

“Daddy?” She murmured, her voice soft.

“What is it, little tater tot?” He asked, leaning close to her.

“Will you open the surprise?” She whispered, patting the closest box. “I made pretty art!”

He smiled, feeling warm and soft and insubstantial. Like he was made of clouds and sunshine.

“Of course,” he breathed, leaning forward to pluck the second box from where he had placed it before settling it in his lap. “Will you help me?”

She giggled, nodding as he plucked out the first card.

“Wait!” Aurora shrieked, shooting up and staring at Gavin with her eyes as wide as saucers.

He blinked. “What is it?”

“Mommy should go first!” She announced.

He chuckled, wrapping his arm around Rowan’s waist, bringing his lips to her ear. “Go ahead, pumpkin.”

“You know I would,” she said, heaving a small sigh. “But my hands are a little preoccupied with,” she tried lifting one arm, which was currently being held hostage by Wisteria clutching it. “This potato, and this potato!” She wiggled her other arm, which was currently wrapped around Cordelia, trying to stop her from knocking over the things on her nightstand.

“Cordelia Sage,” Gavin called, reaching over Rowan to scoop Cordelia up with one arm.

“Yes?” She chirped, sounding a little too innocent as he sandwiched her between Rowan and him.

“Stay there,” he instructed.

She wiggled into the blankets, pulling them up around her chin. “Okay!”

He narrowed his eyes, but didn’t say anything further. He doubted she had given up on whatever mischief was going through her mind, but he hoped at the very least she would wait until he was more awake to deal with it.

“Better?” He asked Rowan, catching her eye as she watched him, her eyes bright, her cheeks stained a peony pink.

“Better,” she said, reaching up to cup his face. “I missed you, Gavin. I missed you so much.”

Gavin opened his mouth to respond, to tell her how much he missed her too, but clearly their girls had other plans as three out of the four of them shouted “EW!”

“That’s gross,” Wisteria muttered, picking up Rowan’s box and waving it in the air. “Look at all the things we made you mommy!”

Snorting, Rowan took the box from Wisteria’s hands. “Okay, okay, I’m going to look at your valentines now.”

Gavin winced as Cordelia squealed in delight, as Wisteria giggled and laughed as Rowan tickled her belly while she unfolded her first valentine.

But even as his ears rang and he winced again as Gardenia elbowed him in the stomach and Wisteria kicked his thigh, he couldn’t help the flutter of happiness in his heart. He couldn’t help the joy that raced through him like glittering starlight.

It was something he had never imagined he would feel, a life he had so long ago never even dared to dream he would ever have.

But he’d met Rowan, and she was his best friend, and he loved her more than anything. He loved her more every day, with every sunrise he looked at her and his heart was full of every beautiful, sparkly, glittery piece of joy and love in the entire world.

And then, with her, he had let himself dream. Let himself dream of all the things he had wanted so desperately, but that he had tucked deep inside his heart, certain he would never live to see them.

And now he was sitting here with blankets tangled around him and four little girls practically screaming in delight every time their mother pulled out another valentine, cooing over how precious it was and how much she loved it.

He knew that this was better than any dream he had ever had. It was everything he had dared to hope for and it was more, it was better. It was loud and bright and warm and beautiful. And a little bit painful as he was kicked again by another set of tiny feet.

But he didn’t care. He would gladly let himself be kicked a million times over. He would let the girls climb all over him and yank on his hair and steal his food and shout in his ears.

Their brilliant, joyful faces were worth it. The sound of their happiness was worth it. Their hugs and their love was worth it.

He looked up from his failed attempt to find the culprit who had kicked him, finding Rowan watching him quietly. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, her lips curving up in a half-moon smile.

“I love you,” she said, holding his gaze for a moment longer before the girls stole her attention again, demanding she continue going through the box.

His heart ached, and he held her tighter, savouring the warmth of her body so close to his.

That was worth it. His Rowan was worth it.

She was more beautiful, more kind and funny and smart and gentle and perfect than anything he had ever dreamt. Than anything he ever would dream.

But even if this was a dream, he prayed he would never wake up.

Because all he wanted was this. All he wanted were the people around him and the warm morning sunshine and the messy sheets and the valentines scattered everywhere and their love and their squeals of joy.

All he wanted was them.

[duskvsdawn]

MLQC Fanfic - Gavin X Reader Smut

AN: I’m still figuring this whole “posting on tumblr thing out”. I kind of have to combine using my pc with mobile, because for some reason I can’t add mature tags on desktop and the “read more” section seems to move around when you post between pc and mobile... Bear with me! If anyone can tell me how to add a mature tag to my post on desktop, and make the “read more” section stay in the same place on both desktop and mobile, I would really appreciate it!

CW: Alcohol use, mentions of feeling depressed, and sex obviously. I think that’s about it.

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You lay on your couch, curled up into a ball. You left work early because you fainted and felt sick. Your boss told you to go home and get some rest. So now you’re lying there, feeling embarrassed and like a failure. You decide to watch some tv to try and get your mind off of things.

“One week off of work. I guess I really needed a break after all. Gavin warned me so many times already to do that. I’m just not like that.” You say to yourself with a sigh.

 As you browse through the channels, you eventually find one with cooking shows and such. You love watching that stuff. As you watch the chef cut different products with skill and explain all kinds of tips and tricks, you start dozing off.

“Hey [y/n], I’m home!”

Gavin’s home, it seems. It woke you up.

“Where are you honey?” He asks as he walks in to the kitchen, usually seeing you there around this time.

“I’m here…” You meekly answer as you roll yourself up into your blanket.

“Hey honey, didn’t expect to see you here. Hey what’s wrong?” He asks as he notices your unusual sad face.

“Nothing, it’s fine.” You answer as you make room for him to sit next to you.

“Yeah, you’re definitely not fine. What’s up, come on tell me.”

“I… I got sent home for a week for a break.”

“Is that so… What happened?” He asks, thoughtfully.

“I fainted right before a meeting. When I woke up I felt sick.”

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but I told you so baby.” He says with a sweet smile as he puts your head onto his lap, gently stroking your hair.

“I know… I know… So I guess I have a sort of vacation now.”

“You really needed one. You’ve been working nonstop for months now. I barely got to see you anymore.”

“I know… I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok baby. Well, I don’t have anything scheduled for this weekend so we can just chill and relax. Doesn’t that sound nice for a change? The two of us, doing nothing special and just have some us-time.”

“That does sound nice…” You say as you entangle your hand in his, softly kissing it.

“How about I make dinner for a change? Or would you prefer some take-out?”

“I’m not really hungry.”

“Come on honey, its dinner time, you need some food.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t cook today…” You whisper as you feel tears welling up in your eyes, feeling like even more of a disappointment.

“Ssshh, it’s alright baby.” Gavin says as he pulls you into a hug.

 And then the two of you just sit there for a while. You can’t help the tears that are flowing at this point, all the built up emotions finally escaping. And Gavin just hugs you, kisses you and shushes you to calm you down. After a little while, you feel a little better.

 “Why does crying make people so hungry?” You suddenly ask through your tears, which are getting less and less now.

“Not sure. Feeling any better?” He asks as he wipes a tear from your cheek.

“Yeah… Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Just being here I guess.”

“Anytime, sweetie. What do we got in the fridge? I’ll make some dinner.”

“There’s some leftovers from yesterday we could eat if you want.”

“I meant actually cooking, but fine with me.” Gavin says as he gets up, kisses you on the forehead and disappears into the kitchen.

 You just sit there on the couch, rolled into your blanket, thinking about how strange life can be. How did you ever get lucky enough to even hook up with Gavin in the first place? He is way too sweet for this world. Drowned in your thoughts, you are suddenly snapped back to reality as a hand waves in front of your face.

 “A penny for your thoughts.” Gavin says with a chuckle as he puts down two plates and utensils.

“Huh, what? Oh.” You say sheepishly as you take your plate and quietly start eating.

“Are you alright? You still seem out of it.”

“Ah, give it a day… I’ll be fine.”

“Alright sweetheart.” Gavin answers as he kisses you on your cheek, browsing through the channels on tv.

 “So…”

“Hmm? What’s up?”

“Is it bad that I kind of feel like drinking tonight?”

“I can’t blame you. Do we still have anything in the house?”

“Not sure.”

“Hold on.” Gavin says as he walks over the liquor cabinet.

 “We still have some vodka and whiskey. Wouldn’t want to drink them mixed though.” He says with a chuckle as he brings over the vodka and two glasses, knowing that’s your favorite drink.

“Yeah, that’d be bad.” You say as you finish your dinner, filling up your glass.

“Don’t try to overdo it, for your sake.” Gavin warns you, worried about your previous struggles with alcohol.

“I’m sorry, I can’t promise anything tonight.” You answer as you quickly take a big sip, coughing at the burn in your throat.

“Guess I’ll just have to take care of you then. Not that I mind…” He says as he fills up a glass for himself and pulls you into a hug on the couch, blankly watching tv.

“Hmm… Gavin?”

“Yes, [y/n]?”

“What have I ever done to deserve you? Why are you with me when there are so many other cute girls out there?” You ask as you take another sip.

“Well, because I love you, silly.”

“That’s not what I mean. Why do you love me?”

“Hmm, let’s see. You always care a lot for others, you are very honest… And you’re just a damaged person trying to make the best of her life, and I admire your constant courage to go on. Those are a few of the reasons.”

“Oh…”

“Not the answer you expected?” He asks as a takes a sip of his drink.

“Not really, no.”

“Well, too bad. It’s the truth.” He says as he puts down his glass, pulling you into a kiss.

“I- Mmm!”

“I just really wanted to do that.” Gavin says with a dark chuckle as he casually takes another sip.

 And the two of you just sit there for a while, cuddling, drinking, watching tv. After what feels like an hour, you put down your glass and pull him into a hug.

 “Honey, what are you doing?” He asks you as he puts down his glass, about as tipsy as you are.

“I just…” You finally say in a whisper as you hide your face in his neck.

“Something wrong?” He asks as he softly strokes your head.

“I’m just… I think I’m getting horny.”

“Is that so?” He asks with a husky voice as he moves your hair out of the way to kiss your neck.

“A-ah… N-no… Not there…” You whimper.

“Don’t be like that. I know how sensitive this spot is. As I’ve kissed it millions of times. And I’d love to kiss it a million times more.” He says in a low whisper against your red glowing ear.

“A-Ah! Gavin! Stop being so fucking romantic.” You say in a sweet moan as you wrap your arms around him, basically pressing your body into his.

 For a moment, he stops and looks at you. His eyes seem to mirror what you feel right now. Love and lust. Deep desire to please the other. You can’t help but just slam your lips on to his and kiss him for what feels like ages. You move your hands under his shirt to touch his warm skin as he starts doing the same to you. He quickly undoes your bra to touch the naked skin of your breasts, gently pinching your nipples.

 “G-Gavin… I want you… Please...” You beg him with a soft moan as your wrap your arms around his neck.

“Mmm, I’d love to. Hold on to me.” He says as he moves to pick you up bridal style.

 You tighten your grip on his neck for support as he carries you up the stairs. He carries you into the bedroom, softly laying you down on the bed. He then lays next to you, pulling you into a hug and kissing you. The kissing soon enough changes into a full-blown heated make-out session. Clothes disappear every now and then. He then pulls you into another hug.

 “I fucking love you.” He finally says as he kisses your cheek.

“I love you too… Please… Show me how much you love me.” You beg him in a desperate whisper, wanting nothing more than him inside you right now.

“Don’t worry love, I will.” He says as he moves in between your legs.

“Please… I need you.” You say as you wrap your arms around him, pulling him closer to you.

“I need you more. And I need you now.” He says as he slowly pushes inside of you, pulling your upper body up so he can hug you properly.

“S-shit!” You his as your body adjusts to his size, burying your face in his neck, smelling his scent.

“Are you alright baby?” He asks worriedly as he kisses your cheek.

“Y-yeah… I’m fine… It just feels so good to have you inside of me. It’s been too long…” You say with a happy sigh as you kiss him.

“It has been. Is it ok to move?” He asks as he entangles one of his hands in your hair.

“Please do. I can’t wait any longer.”

“Me neither. I love you.” He says as he starts thrusting his hips.

“A-ah! I love y-you too!” You moan as you instantly feel in utter bliss, your body enjoying all of him after such a long time.

 For the first time, the sex between you two feels more focused on the love for each other than the sheer lust. Since it has been so long that the two of you had sex, all the two of you tell each other is how much you love them. But of course that wouldn’t last forever. After a while, you want more. Your body demands more friction.

 “G-Gavin! Please! More!” You beg him, shivering and whimpering in his arms.

“Anything for you babe.” He says in a low growl as he speeds up, deepening his thrusts as well.

“S-shit! Oh my god! I needed this so fucking much! Oh god, yes!” You moan out loud as you tighten your grip on him.

“You feel so goddamn good… Fuck…” He hisses as he leaves love bites along your neck and shoulders.

“S-so good!”

“I love you so fucking much.” Gavin growls as he moves you slightly in his lap, his pelvis now rubbing against your clit as well.

“A-ah! G-Gavin! If you keep this up, I’m… I’m…”

“Are you getting close, love?”

“Y-yes! S-so close!” You whimper as you feel the familiar pressure build up in your lower body.

“Wait for me baby… I’m close too…” He answers in a low moan, then proceeding to slam his lips onto yours.

“I can’t hold it!” You beg as you break the kiss to take a breath.

“Me neither… Cum for me sweetheart.” Gavin whispers into your ear, this instantly sends you over the edge.

“A-ah! Gavin!” You scream out as you orgasm, digging your nails into his skin.

“Damn, [y/n]… I’m gonna… Oh fuck!” Gavin growls as he releases inside of you.

 “Hah… Hah… Oh gosh…” You finally manage to bring out as you pant, trying to catch your breath.

“That… I needed that.” Gavin whispers as he kisses you while he pulls out, moving to lay you down.

He then lays down next to you and pulls you into a hug.

“Mmm… Me too…” You whisper as you move strand of hair away from his forehead that is now stuck down with sweat.

“And now, let’s sleep.” He says as he pulls the blanket onto you both, then moving back to hug you.

“Mmm, good plan.” You say as you lay your head close to his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“I love you sweetheart.” He whispers as he kisses the top of your head.

“I love you too…” You answer with a happy sigh as you tighten your grip on him.

 Soon enough, you drift off to sleep.

[afi-writes]

Mr. Love: Queen's Choice Fics

Coffee for Two

Explicit

Gavin x female reader

You and Gavin are coming home from a date and he asks you to come to his apartment for a coffee. The drink is served with extra spice.

Rivalrously Chivalrous

Explicit

Helios x female reader

You are after a target when Helios gets in your way. This isn't the first time he messes up your work, but things heat up this time.

[fandom-collective-writers]

Fortune’s Favor (Gavin x MC)

Fandom: Mr Love Queen’s Choice

Pairing: Gavin x MC

Prompt: Water balloon

Warning: Smut!

Intended Audience: Female Audience

Word Count: 2,729

Requested by: anonymous

Written by: @lordsisterxotome​

Disclaimer: I do not own MLQC or any of its characters. All of that goodness is the property of Elex. I do, however, own the plot of this fanfic. Please do not repost this on any other website.

Other notes: Can we all take a moment to appreciate Gavin as the perfect, beautiful man that he is? Like, damn!!!

       MC loved children. This was a known fact. She had even produced several shows concerning child development and behavioral issues. Kids were kids though, and it had yet to be determined whether that was in her favor at this particular moment.

       Her soaked dress clung to her body uncomfortably, making her shift in an effort to keep the fabric from clinging. Shivering, MC huddled into her boyfriend’s jacket, fingers digging into the material as she pulled the flaps tighter over her chest. She had been on set, producing a segment on ways for children to stay active during the summer, when she’d gotten caught in the crossfire of a water balloon fight, her clothes and hair soaked in a matter of seconds as assistants and parents tried to round up the overexcited troublemakers. To make matters worse, the dress she had chosen to wear a white dress today, leaving little to the imagination as the fabric turned transparent.

       Stunned by the sudden dousing, she was lucky that Gavin had been there to help out on his day off, jumping into action and draping his denim jacket around her shoulders before saying a few words to Kiki and leading her to a trailer. Having sat her down on a sofa, he was currently looking for something she could use to dry off and a change of clothes. 

       “I don’t think we’re going to find much in the way of fresh clothes,” she commented. Honestly, this could be a lot worse. She wasn’t so uncomfortable with Gavin here, knowing he would take care of her, and his jacket was warm and smelled like him, like sun and wind. 

       “You’re right. I’m not finding any towels either,” he sighed, his rummaging ceasing as he turned back to her. “I’m going to run back to your place and get you some clothes. In the meantime, you should get out of that dress or you might get sick. You can use my jacket to dry off as much as you can.” MC blushed as he sat down beside her and reached out to card his fingers through her damp locks. His palm cupped her cheek and she relished the warmth of his touch against her clammy skin, wanting nothing more than to snuggle up against him. 

       Sure, she was a little flustered. Pretty much everything was on display beneath the jacket and while it wasn’t as if he hadn’t seen her naked before, it was still all too easy to become embarrassed around him, her heart racing and body heating in reaction to him. It didn’t help that she had forgone a bra today, the wet fabric chafing her nipples with each heavy breath she took and hardening the buds to sensitive peaks that undoubtedly showed through her dress.

       “Are you sure?” she asked, licking her lips. “You don’t have to go to all that trouble.”

       “I don’t mind.” He smiled softly and rose to his feet. “Lock the door behind me so no one comes in by mistake.”

       That made her startle, suddenly remembering a very important detail that would make this plan a lot more tricky. Gavin must have seen the realization on her face because he stopped, hand on the door handle. “What?” he asked, “What is it?”

       “The doors on the trailers don’t lock.”

       “...Oh.”

       “I’m not sure why they don’t, but…” she muttered, trying to come up with some sort of excuse as she shifted in place.

       “Okay.” He thought for a moment before deciding, “You can’t stay here like this. Let’s go get your things and let Anna know I’m taking you home to get changed.”

       “Alright.” Taking the hand he offered her, MC settled into the crook of his arm as it wrapped around her shoulders, holding her against him protectively as they left the trailer. Anna was quick to give her the okay to go home, the other woman’s concern almost motherly as she took in her flushed cheeks and slight shivering with a furrowed brow. Gavin assured her he would take care of her - which he didn’t really need to do; it was already an accepted fact at the office that Gavin was a man among men - before escorting her to his motorcycle. 

       By this point her dress had become icy and she snuggled against Gavin’s broad back as he drove, seeking the comfort of his warmth.

       “Almost there,” he said over his shoulder, to which she nodded, cheek pressed to his shoulder blade through the helmet he’d given her. The engine quieted to a rumbling purr as he pulled into the parking structure beneath her building and she dreaded the chafe that would come with getting off and moving around. 

       Her hair clung to her cheeks in wet clumps as she took off the helmet and let him help her off the motorcycle. There really was no worse feeling in the world than wet clothes. Each movement was excruciating, cold fabric rubbing and clinging in ways that left her uncomfortable and all too sensitive.

       It was a relief when they finally reached her apartment and she turned the key in the lock. Gavin followed her in, and without thinking MC shed his jacket, unaware of how much she was revealing to him. 

       He was a gentleman and would sooner die than do something that took advantage of her, but Gavin was still a hot-blooded young man who was very much attracted to his girlfriend. His pants suddenly felt a little too tight, his breath coming a little harder as he averted his gaze from her. “You should warm up with a shower,” he managed, his voice a little husky as he looked at anything besides her.

       When MC turned back to him she couldn’t help but giggle at how cute he looked, almost boyish with his pink cheeks and a hand raised to scratch the back of his head sheepishly. Around anyone else, she would have shied away, leaving them with a thank you at the door, but Gavin always made her feel safe, knowing that she was his number one priority at all times. It was one of the many qualities that made her fall in love with him.

       “I will. Thank you for taking care of me, Gavin,” she said, turning to face him. “Do you want to wait here? It’s okay if you want to leave.”

       “Here is fine.”

       “Okay.” Shooting him an innocent smile, she sashayed to the bathroom, calling over her shoulder, “Make yourself at home.”

       “Thanks,” he replied, voice a little gruff.

       Despite how much she wanted to take this further, she only meant to tease her adorable boyfriend a little before going back to set, but when she tried to take off her sodden dress and found that the buttons didn’t want to cooperate with the wet material, there was really only one option left.

       “Gavin?” she called, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.

       “Y-Yeah?”

       “Sorry, I can’t get the buttons by myself. Could you help me?”

       “...Sure.” His footsteps padded closer and her breathing picked up in anticipation when the door ghosted open. She didn’t meet his eyes, only turned to offer him her back. His presence behind her sent electric tinges washing over her skin and she hoped he didn’t notice the tiny shiver that wracked her when she felt his touch ghost along her shoulders. He was close, closer than he needed to be, but she wanted him even closer. Her lips parted around a silent moan as his breath fanned against her ear and she waited to see what he would do next as he reached the last button at the base of her spine.

       Gavin stopped, seeming to debate with himself for a moment, before the barely there touch of his hands on her naked skin made her exhale a shaky sigh. His fingers traced her spine, continuing to her shoulders. The digits slipped under the straps of her dress, but before he made any move to bare her, he murmured, “Can I?” his voice tight with restraint.

       “Please, Gavin,” she answered, her voice a whispered whine. MC could never deny him, not that she would ever want to. “I need you.”

       A heartbeat later, her dress fell from her shoulders to pool on the tile floor. Gavin moaned against her neck as his lips descended on her skin, his body pressed flush against hers as his hands reached around to cup her breasts, gently weighing them in his palms. She arched her hips against his crotch, crying out as his teeth sank into the side of her neck at the pressure against his growing erection. Her hips hit the edge of the counter as he forced her forward, seeking that delicious friction as he began to dry hump her.

       Mewls and whines escaped her parted lips as Gavin’s large hand gave her breast another squeeze before traveling down her stomach to slip into the front of her panties. Her legs trembled as he found her swollen clit, his thumb stroking the bud as he slipped his middle finger inside of her. 

       “G-Gavin, mmh! I...I can’t-!” MC tried to warn him of her failing legs, but she could barely get the words out, her slick core clenching around his fingers as he ground his bulge against her. She nearly cried as his fingers slipped out of her heat to turn her around. Her panties slipped down her legs before she was hoisted up onto the countertop, her boyfriend taking his rightful place between her legs. Gavin’s mouth claimed hers in a hungry kiss as she reached for him, small hands slipping under his shirt to touch chiseled abs and pecs. The lustful spark in his eyes as he parted from her to tear his shirt over his head sent a wave of heat blistering through her, her inner thighs soaked with her arousal. 

       She expected him to kiss her or shed the rest of his clothes, but he stepped away from her completely instead, reaching to turn on the shower before kneeling in front of her to rifle through the cabinets underneath the sink. When he looked up at her, he held a condom between his fingers and her brows lifted in surprise. “Where did you find that?” She couldn’t remember ever stashing a box down there.

       “I put it here after our first time,” he admitted, and she might’ve fallen in love with him even more if that was possible. It was just like him to be so careful when it came to her. He held the foil package between his teeth as he undid his belt, holding her heated gaze as he pushed his pants and boxers down his legs. Her eyes immediately fell to his freed dick, swallowing at how painfully hard he was. Gavin was very well endowed, long and thick and veined, the velvety skin flushed red with need. The swollen head weeped pre-cum as she watched and a hand under her chin tilted her face up.

       Her gaze met his half-lidded one and she nearly whimpered as he tore the condom open and rolled it down his length, rubbing her thighs together in an attempt to relieve the suddenly painful ache. Parting her legs, he wrapped his hands around her thighs and hoisted her off the counter with ease, her legs wrapping around his waist as he stepped into the shower.

       The water did little to soothe the heat raging deep inside of her, though it did wash the last of the chill left by her wet clothes away. MC cried out as he pressed her against the shower wall, his chiseled body rutting against hers as he began to roll his hips into her. “Gavin! Oh god!” She writhed as the tip of his cock prodded her clit, his thick heat spreading her folds as his mouth nipped at her neck and collarbone. 

       “Want to be inside you,” he panted hotly against her cheek. “Can I?”

       “Yes!” Bucking her hips, she heard him groan, releasing one of her legs in favor of clenching a fist against the wall next to her head. “I gave you permission the moment you undressed me! Please, please, please, fuck me, Gavin!”

       Reaching down to position himself, she whimpered as his length slowly stretched her, the slight burn of something so large entering her wet core lost in the way he filled and pressed against her walls so deliciously. Her cries for him to go faster, to shove the whole thing in at once, were lost to him, his face pressed into her neck and his jaw clenched as he groaned. As much as Gavin wanted to shove himself into her, he wanted to be careful, to cherish her and make her feel loved. 

       He began to move as soon as he was fully seated inside of her, pulling out until just the tip was left inside before slamming back in again, her screams reverberating around the bathroom as he gave her what she wanted. 

       “Yes!...ah!!...Yes, Gavin, mmm..that...it feels so good!!” she cried, gasping lungfuls of the steamy air.

       “Yeah?” Grabbing a bouncing breast, he pinched and twisted her nipple, licking his lips as she was reduced to a whimpering, lustful mess in his embrace. “You...haa...take me so good. Feels...ngh!...s-so good...squeezing me so tight! My good girl…”

       Her fingers dug into his shoulders as he continued to pound into her, drops of water running down his muscles and clinging to the ends of his hair. All she could think to say was his name as he drove into her, adjusting his angle a couple of times to hit spots that had her eyes rolling back in her head. 

       “You’re...ahh!!...Gavin, you’re so deep! Gavin, Gavin, Gavin!!” She could feel him in every part of her body, claiming her as his own. It was hard and intense, but underlying it all was love, his adoration for her conveyed in every heated touch of skin against skin.

       “Say my name,” he growled, claiming her lips in a hungry kiss. “Scream it so the neighbors know.” Tears of pleasure ran down her face as he hit her g-spot hard, abusing the sensitive spot over and over again. “Are you going to come?” he panted, hips moving faster, rougher. He was getting close too, her walls threatening to squeeze him to completion she was getting so tight. 

       “Y-Yes!” she cried, gasping as he throbbed and twitched inside of her.

       His hand moved to where they were joined, and with a hard press to her clit she came undone, crying his name as her vision went white under an explosion of rapture. His pleasured grunt joined her scream as he reached his own end a few thrusts later, and he looked positively virile as he released, muscles in his neck bulging as his seed spilled into the condom. 

       The water cooled their overheated bodies as they panted, slowly coming down from their highs. Releasing her leg from around his hip, Gavin gently held her on her feet as he slipped out of her, planting kisses on her wet face.

       “I love you,” she said breathlessly, a satisfied smile on her face as she nuzzled into his neck. “I love you so so much.”

       “I love you too,” he murmured back, his arms tightening around her. A few moments passed like that, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking, before he released her, stepping out of the shower for a moment to discard the used condom.

       Alone, MC cupped her flushed cheeks in her hands and squealed internally. In this case, getting caught in the crossfire of a children’s water balloon fight had turned out very, very well, gaining fortune’s favor the moment she fell in love with Gavin.

       It wasn’t until after they had finished washing up and were drying off when she suddenly gasped. “What if Lucien was home?!”

       Gavin blinked at her, silent for a moment, before he burst into chuckles. Wrapping his arms around her middle, she thought she saw some of the same mischief from high school in his face now as he said, “I’ve had you screaming my name enough that I think he’s used to it by now, babe.”

[night-chant]

MLQC Scenario - Hidden Talent

If I miraculously and accurately linked your actual hobby with your favourite dude, how??--- I-I mean, yes it was on purpose of course! (I didn’t even get mine right XD)

Featuring: MLQC Guys + reader

Synopsis: You have a great passion for your favourite pastime, but for some reason, you’re too shy to let anyone know about it but then he finds out on his own.

Warning: Fluff (except Victor’s??)

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

Victor:

Creative writing

Sometimes poetry but often, creative writing since you loved spending time working on your historical romance novel. You never showed it to anyone, in fear that it would be ridiculed for any cliché use that you cherished.

At first, Victor assumed you were just writing a report on your laptop but sometimes, your eyes would light up as you eagerly typed out multiple sentences.

Did you find your report on Miracle Finder’s plummeting ratings that entertaining to analyze?

“How’s the progress?” he asked from behind and you hastily flipped the computer shut.

“Okay, I guess.” The light in your eyes instantly vanished.

Huh. He should’ve known. “The deadline is in two days. Did I give you too much time to spare?” When you didn’t answer, he went on: “What are you writing?”

“You’re going to say it’s stupid.”

“If you expect me to say that everytime a dummy does something, I’d lose my voice already. I only say if it is truly disastrous. Let’s see it.”

You reluctantly handed the laptop over. You started a couple of pages on chapter 18, but you expected he’d glance at the first few lines and turn back to you. Instead, he took a few minutes, perusing with a blank scowl.  

Any hope shattered when he started pointing out all the grammatical errors and that the plot so far isn’t logical. Your face felt hot. He was treating even your story as a report.

“The girl should’ve told him the truth in the very beginning,” Victor said, “so none of this mess would happen.”

Your blood was boiling. What, now he’s the CEO of some publishing company?? “Yeah, well, maybe he’d just call her a dummy and dismiss what she says like he always does!”

. . .

Victor would turn and leave with your laptop. Starting from page one, he would read each dialogue and analyze the characters more carefully.

You two will not end up like that couple. Not if he could help it.

Lucien:

Painting

You enjoy nature, especially animals and landscapes.

Sometimes, Lucien and you took a stroll around the forest by the Loveland University so you could get some real-life references.

No matter how vibrant the pigments were, they never drew Lucien’s attention away from you and your concentrated scowl and the slight peek of your tongue as you carefully painted an arc for the branch of a willow tree.

“They don’t look right,” you mumbled, breaking his trance. “But I’m not sure why.”

“Your hand is shaking,” he said, reaching out. “Here, I’ll hold it still for you.”

Maybe it’s because you were embarrassed that you didn’t realize the issue before or maybe because he was leaning very close, but your hands were shaking even more.

However, with gentle guidance, the branches you drew together were natural and lovely, interlaced with one another just like your hands.

Kiro:

Dancing ft. singing

If the rhythm is inspiring or if it’s just your favourite song, you’d probably be in an imaginary music video in the next moment. (Of course, when you were alone.)

Back to reality, it was Kiro who dances but he usually sings more in his performances in concerts.

He didn’t expect you to be a dancer too.

Kiro came home earlier than usual one day. Savin had let him go ONLY because he wasn’t acting too rebellious that day.

Before Kiro even opens the front door, he heard blaring music, almost reverberating off the wall.

His approaching footsteps were completely muted and a familiar voice was singing both parts of a duet song. Then after, an eerily familiar song . . .

You didn’t notice him as you were dancing away to his latest single.

But when you do, all you wanted was to hide in a closet.

But he thought Miss Chips was adorable and gushed about your accurate choreography.

You both probably ended up dancing to Kpop or Disney songs.

Gavin:

Knitting and needlework

Your mother taught you the basics, but you loved the activity so much that you made your own small, simple projects.

Sometimes, Gavin returns from missions with torn clothes and you were always willing to sew them up again if possible.

He finds your talent in knitting very intriguing, how your fingers and yarn and needles danced around one and another like hummingbirds.

Subconsciously, he thinks about the future, when you two would be older and when you would be making knitted garments for your two’s grandchildren.

Wait what do you do with all the clothes you knit now?

One day, he informed you that he would be away for a long mission.

You were bummed. “You have to return on the 20th or earlier! Or else I won’t stop knitting this very scarf until you do!”

When Gavin got back, he noticed that the scarf was pretty long.

“You did take breaks, did you?” he asked, holding your hands as he examined them.

You rolled your eyes when he took your joke to heart and so literally.

You wrap the long scarf around him (maybe a couple times keep it clear from the ground, even considering his height).

Good thing the scarf was big enough to cover part of his face because his ears and cheeks grew pink from your gentle gesture.

He untangled the scarf just enough to loop it around you too, narrowing the distance between you two until you were against his chest.

“Thank you.”

He liked to wear it during autumn and winter ever since.

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

I’m writing this as I wait for a game to download reeee

Masterlist

[simplyotometrash]

Hello!! Could I request a touch-starved Gavin to a female MC (NSFW)🥺🙏 ?? Thank you!!!

Unfortunately, I don't write smut. I've written on here, like, once and decided it wasn't my thing! I added my rules to my masterlist to make them easier to find.

HOWEVER!!!! I will write this as a fluff piece for you instead!! :D I never get MLQC requests, so I really want to write this even if it can't be NSFW!

Gavin x female MC

Genre: Fluff. Pure, tooth-rotting fluff

Warnings: None

Gavin is Touch-Starved

You were laying in bed, a pair of shorts and one of Gavin's tee shirts acting as pajamas for the evening. He had texted you some time ago saying he would be home within the next couple of days. You were giddy with excitement. Gavin was away on a mission, which usually meant he'd come home injured much to your chagrin. You'd take care of that when he got home. You missed your boyfriend dearly every single time he had to go away, and he missed you just the same. The phone calls could only do so much.

The wind blew in through your bedroom window and you sat up. Gavin. That wind was absolutely deliberate. The man had a habit of coming in through the window if he knew he wouldn't be seen by pedestrians, even though you guys had a perfectly good door to your shared apartment. Some habits would never die, and you thought it was pretty endearing.

He stepped into the bedroom and you were at his side in an instant. He looked tired but he didn't seem injured like he usually was. It was a weight off of your shoulders. Seeing him hurt was the most heart-breaking experience and it happened for too often for your liking.

"Welcome home," you said with a smile before being tugged into his embrace.

"I'm home, MC," he whispered into your hair.

This was routine. Gavin craved physical touch. It was so much more intense if he wasn't able to see you for long periods of time. He let you go so he could get into something more comfortable; loose sweatpants and no shirt. He collapsed onto the bed and pulled you into his lap.

His hands explored your body, though he knew every last dip and curve, before settling one on your side and the other caressing your face.

"I missed you so much," he said, warm breath smelling of spearmint fanned onto your face.

You leaned in and kissed him tenderly, your free hand running through his brown hair. He kissed back, sighing against your lips. When the two you parted, he laid down with you cradled into his chest.

"Are you hungry at all?" You asked.

"No," he pressed a kiss to the top of your head. "I just want to lay like this for a while. It gets difficult when I can't see you. I miss you dearly when I'm away, MC."

You melted into his embrace, reaching one arm up so you could run your fingers through his hair. He leaned his head into the simple touch.

"I just want to lay like this for a while. I want to feel your skin on mine."

His chest was warm against you. He was always warm, honestly. You would often joke that it was like having your own personal furnace. He kept you warm whenever you were chilly. Even if it was just because the apartment's air conditioner was on. If you were cold, you were in his arms. You learned that it was also him just wanting physical touch.

Gavin was a man who yearned for that positive physical contact. He wasn't good at receiving it in a platonic sense, you used to think he didn't like being touched very much because he would tense up. You learned that he wanted physical contact, he was touch-starved. His home-life growing up, as you had learned, was cold and he was treated with shame for never showing a hint of the Evol gene. Until it awoke in high school.

Now, as an adult, he was touch-starved. You gave him the touch he so desperately craved. He would melt into your touch. It was very uncommon for you two to be together and not be touching in some capacity.

"I love you," you murmured.

Gavin smiled against your hair and planted a kiss to your head. You felt his hold on you grow just a little bit tighter.

"I love you, too."

[yourssinfullyquiche]

In the heat they feel…(D, no.29)

Hello, all you beautiful people🥰 A highly suggestive drabble, but again to be safe R18+, MDNI Hope you enjoy~

Prompt 34 & 35: a kiss on the shoulder blade and on the space between the shoulder blades

Gavin x F!reader

Electric. It’s buzzing through their veins, intoxicating their minds. Tender heat and need at the forefront of their hazy thoughts. She stays unmoving, hands gripping the desk, broken, airy breaths from her lips. 

He teases her, thrusting into her a little and she lets out a shaky breath, knuckles now white. This isn’t their first time, yet there’s something inexplicably intense: the ardent intimacy they feel when he’s sheathed fully inside her walls and when she feels so incredibly full with him. 

Something about being skin to skin with one another, the heat that surrounds them and the jolt of excitement they feel when it rushes through them. It all connects her to him and him to her, when they are near but far. Other than teasing her with a few thrusts which earn him breathy moans and whimpers, and him groaning huskily when she clenches tightly around him as payback for the teases, they do nothing further. 

There are always kisses. Some he presses on her shoulder blades, others on the space between the two bones. Some she turns around a little to capture his lips in deep kisses. But other than that, they do nothing further but bask in the heat radiating from their skin. 

-

A/N: Thank you for reading❤️ OK people, there's one final drabble left. After that I'll be concluding my series of Gavin's B-day drabbles（￣︶￣）↗　

Delve into my world

© YOURSSINFULLYQUICHE2023 — no part of this writing shall be plagiarised, translated or reposted in any way. Likes, reblogs and comments are always appreciated!

Taglist: @purple-cat-demon @rinharu-purple (if you want to join my taglist, please visit my blog and click the link available on my pinned post)

[niphredil-14]

Victor Li With an S/o That Doesn't Have Friends

The lovely @marianyupjustmarian requested: "how about a s/o (victor always) with a s/o who has no friends?"

Let's be real, Victor doesn't really have friends either, so in some ways he would understand. At the same time though, he didn't go out of his way to make friends, as it just wasn't a priority for him. Personally, if you were close enough to him to be dating him, then he would most likely consider you to be the only relationship that he needed, be it romantic or platonic. He didn't really think that either one of you needed anyone else, but if you were very upset or lonely, he would find a way to get you some. Bringing you along to parties he was invited to, or starting projects at his work related to your interests, so that people interested would join, giving you connections to other people with interests like yours, and more. Though, I think he's unlikely to actually take much time off of work, he might bring you along to keep you company. Mostly, he would just do anything he could think of to make you feel happier, and less alone.

[kazuyaasai-serenaspencerli]

MESSAGE ⇆ ◁ ❚❚ ▷ ↻

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Dragging your feet back to the office, you sigh for the nth time this day. Everything didn't go well according to plan?! You were expecting that the filming would wrap up in time with a good outcome but ended up in a mess.

Slumping yourself in your seat, tears starts forming in your eyes for having such a bad day. Wanting to have a peaceful time to think and calm yourself, you put your phone in silent and wipe your tears of frustration.

Resting your head in your hands, you sigh again, tired of what happened earlier during the day.

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Knock knock knock

The knock on the door wakes you up. Anna opens the door and pops her head in. "I'm going out boss! See you tomorrow!

"See you tomorrow Anna. Have a good night." You nod and smile. Without knowing, you dozed off to sleep due to the tiredness and sleepless nights in these few days. You pick up your phone and open it to check the time and saw a missed call and voice mail. "8:10. 3 missed calls, 1 voice message." And it's all from him. Clicking the voice mail, his voice fills the silent office.

"How are you? It's getting late now, want me to come over and pick you up? Just message me and I'll be there."

All of the pent up frustrations went away after hearing these words from him. A smile forming in your lips at his thoughtfulness and you press the voice mail again.

"I'm having a bad day..." You messaged him.

"Wait there, I'm picking you up. We're going somewhere."

"Alright. I'll be waiting." Always

Is he some sort of healer? You chuckle to your self. It seems like whenever he's there or feel his voice and presence, you feel ok and feel like everything will be alright, like every problems will be solved and go away. Smiling, you pick up your bag and went down stairs, fatigue and frustrations going away.

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PROMPT REFERENCE: @/yumewithyou twitter

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PLAYLIST I / MASTERLIST

[tartagilicious]

yanno that tiktok trend? thats like ‘call a guy pretty and see his reaction?’ can we get mc saying it to the boys? like the mlqc boys?

ehe i like the way you think, anon!

✧･ﾟ: victor:

- when you call him pretty for the first time, it’s when you’re on vacation together and notice that the flower petal that’s landed in his hair matches the colour of his tie

- for a second, he’s not sure how to react. he assumes you either called him by the wrong thing by accident or it just slipped out, but when he looks down at that, he sees none of that in your eyes.

- so, he just coughs to cover the rising blush on his face and thanks you

- you, of course, notice this, and continue to call him pretty just to see the man get flustered

✧･ﾟ: lucien:

- loves it, doesn’t try to hide it at all

- “gendered” things aren’t really important to him, all he hears is a compliment from you, which he will obviously take in any circumstance

- in this situation, it’s completely natural, but it’s more likely that by the end of it, you’ll end up being the flustered one instead LMAO

✧･ﾟ: gavin:

- also loves it, honestly — but will be the first to ask if you meant to call him that. he’s just confused, having never been called pretty before!

- it makes him bright red

- the compliment just seems so heartfelt, and somehow softer than anything he’d otherwise hear. such a thoughtlessly sweet compliment makes him feel a different way, like more peaceful if that makes sense?

✧･ﾟ: kiro:

- it really comes naturally, because he is pretty! thanks to that, he also doesn’t really find it out of the ordinary, he’s been called things like that by fans, so it’s more of a normal compliment

- still, it is nice to hear for you! i can imagine it carries more of a different weight since you aren’t just one of his fans

✧･ﾟ: shaw:

- straight up asks you why you called him that. he would probably tell you to call him something like “rugged” instead AGSJHD

- but you’re persistent!! and shaw is pretty!! he needs to know!!

- over time, he’’d begrudgingly get into it at first, but when he expects it, it somehow means more T-T sometimes he looks at himself in the mirror and wonders how you find his mischievous eyes and worn leather jacket pretty, but you say it so genuinely, so it must be true

- he’ll never tell you, but whenever you call him pretty, it makes him happy!!

[married-to-google-translater]

Yandere Gavin

Gavin is an overprotective and stalker type of yandere.

He always wants to know where you are and make sure you stay safe.

(And it's very easy to him)

Gavin would really love you a lot.

He doesn't want to lose you.

And because of that, he thinks it’s perfectly ok to lock you in his house and block your exit.

(He says it's not kidnapping just protection)

By the way, this only happens after you have started a relationship.

He thinks his job is to protect you.

And Gavin hopes you understand that.

Otherwise, he is a very sweet and caring boyfriend.

He will give you lots of gifts and hugs if you behave well.

But if you try to escape or object, Gavin will have to punish you.

He really doesn’t enjoy it.

Gavin’s punishments are always painful.

He really hates hurting you a lot but he wouldn’t stand it if you tried to run away and get seriously injured.

The world is a dangerous place and Gavin just wants to keep you safe.