#they were both scrambling around and arguing like ‘well can’t you cancel the appointment’ ‘can’t YOU cancel the shift’ etc

[fingertipsmp3]

Sometimes I really need to keep my mouth shut

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Series Summary: After being arrested, Spencer Reid desperately tries to get back home to his daughter, Camellia, who was placed into foster care in your home.

Pairing: Single!Dad!Spencer x Foster!Mom!Reader

Content/Warnings: mentions of abandonment, unwanted sexual advances (outside character to spencer), swearing, mentions of cheating (doesn’t actually happen), happy ending

Word Count: 2.4k

Masterlist

Chapter 10

You woke up with Spencer’s arm lazily draped over your waist. Rain was pitter-pattering against the window.

You rolled over and cuddled yourself into Spencer’s chest.

“Good morning,�� he hummed contently.

“G’morning,” you sleepily mumbled.

“Is my little angel tired from last night?” he asked.

“Very,” you nodded, “Do we have to pick Callie up from her sleepover?”

“She’s staying there until after her soccer practice. I have to go back to my house and get some more clothes to bring over here but other than that, my day is wide open,” he gently stroked your hair.

“I just have two appointments later in the day so I’ll have to go into the office this afternoon,” you yawned.

“I’ll make us breakfast,” Spencer tried to shift out from underneath the covers.

“Or…” you wrapped your arms around him once again, “We can get breakfast on the way to your house and then I get some extra cuddle time.”

“Sounds good to me,” Spencer pressed a kiss to your forehead.

-

“Um hello?” Spencer asked as you both approached the woman standing at his front door.

She turned around and Spencer’s eyes practically bulged out of his head.

“Spencer!” she ran to hug him.

Spencer refused to unclasp his hand from yours, making it very clear he had no intention to return the hug.

“What are you doing here, Austin?”

Austin. This was Callie’s mother. The woman who abandoned them both.

“I’m in between jobs right now, figuring out my purpose in life, you know? I just took a bus and ended up back here again. Got me thinking I should stop by and check in,” she smiled like this was just a casual visit from a friend.

“You wanted to stop by after 11 years and no goodbye?” Spencer asked incredulously.

“I could also use a place to crash for a few days. How’s Camellia doing? Does she still do that thing where she twitches her little nose? I always loved that.”

“Don’t act like you know my daughter at all,” Spencer seethed.

“Spencer,” you got in between them, putting your hands on his chest to calm him down.

You turned to Austin, “One second.”

You led Spencer back down the steps, “Look, I know what she did was very wrong but she did give you the greatest gift of all, Callie, so maybe you could invite her over for dinner and she could just sleep on the couch for the night?”

“Just one night?” Spencer confirmed.

“If you don’t do this now, Callie will probably just track her birth mother down later in life without you there to supervise. Lots of my past foster kids have and it doesn’t always end well.”

“Fine,” Spencer relented, heading back up the front steps.

“You can stay with us for one night,” Spencer emphasized, “I will be watching you the whole time you’re with Callie.”

“Deal!” She clapped her hands excitedly.

“Hi, I’m Y/N,” you introduced yourself, opting to not give a label.

“Nice to meet you,” she replied with a sickeningly sweet smile.

She loaded her few bags of belongings into the back of the car as you and Spencer grabbed some more of his clothes from inside.

Spencer opted to drive so you headed to the passenger side. Austin grabbed the car door handle at the same time as you.

“Oh I’m sorry, were you going to sit here?” she feigned politeness.

“Yeah, I was,” you narrowed your eyes.

Spencer rolled the window down, “Austin, there’s plenty of room in the back.”

“Oh, of course!” she nodded enthusiastically.

You buckled as Spencer placed his hand on your thigh, in view of Austin. You settled in for the most awkward car ride of your life.

-

“Can’t you cancel? Please don’t leave me here with her,” Spencer begged as you got ready to go in for work.

“I would if they were just check-ups but Timmy has a rash I need to check out and I need to write a script so Jessica can get a refill on her medication. If you really don’t want to be alone with her, come with me,” you replied.

“I would but I also don’t trust her enough to leave her alone in your house,” Spencer sighed.

“I’ll be back in an hour,” you kissed him, “An hour and a half tops.”

“What do I even say to her?”

“You don’t have to say much. You’re already being generous enough to let her see Callie for the night. Just make dinner while I’m gone. You could offer her a bath or something if you want her to get out of your hair,” you suggested.

-

Spencer had offered Austin a bath so he didn’t have to deal with the awkward silence while you were gone.

He got to work cooking Rossi’s famous pasta for dinner, dicing onions and boiling the water. He would check the clock every minute and started a countdown in his head of when you would return home.

He heard the water drain from the tub upstairs.

Fuck, he thought, at least 10 more minutes until you’re home.

Austin sauntered down the stairs after her bath in just her bra and underwear, wearing one of Spencer’s unbuttoned dress shirts over top.

Spencer’s hands flew to cover his eyes, “What the fuck are you doing?”

“Hopefully you,” she smirked.

“I have a girlfriend, well it’s not official yet but I am very much committed to her,” Spencer stated.

“If it’s not official,” she drew closer, “Then, this wouldn’t be cheating.”

“I don’t care if it’s technically not cheating. I only have interest in Y/N,” Spencer spoke firmly, his hands still over his eyes.

“Just once, Spence…for old time’s sake,” she whispered in his ear.

“No,” Spencer backed up further into the pot of sauce he was cooking for dinner, spilling a bit of the hot liquid on himself.

Spencer opened his eyes at the burning sensation, “Now look what you did,” he sighed frustratedly, starting to undo the buttons of his shirt, “I have to soak this before it stains. I can’t believe you. Why would you think this is okay?”

“Just go wash your shirt, Spencer,” Austin rolled her eyes.

Spencer, being so angry, didn’t hear the door open.

“I’m not finished with you, Austin,” he stared her down.

He heard a squeak from the other side of the room. You were standing there, fresh tears running down your face.

Spencer looked down at his unbuttoned shirt, Austin’s lack of clothes, and recalled the last thing he said.

“Y/N, it’s not what it looks like-” he tried to run after you but you were already out the door, slamming it behind you.

Spencer scrambled outside to where you were starting your car back up again.

“Y/N,” he frantically tapped against the car window, “Please let me explain.”

You didn’t even turn to face him, shifting the car into reverse and peeling out of the driveway.

Spencer stormed back inside, grabbing Austin’s bags, “Get the fuck out of Y/N’s house and get the fuck out of my family’s life.”

“But Callie isn’t even home yet,” she argued.

“Good,” Spencer yelled, “Because it took you less than 3 hours for your true colors to show again. You care about nothing! You didn’t want anything to do with us then so you don’t get to have anything to do with us now,” Spencer escorted her towards the door, “I will not hesitate to file for a restraining order if I see you near me, Y/N, or my daughter ever again.”

“Can I at least change?” she asked as Spencer threw her bags on the front step.

“You were plenty comfortable showing me who repeatedly told you no so might as well show the whole neighborhood,” he slammed the door in her face.

-

How dare he? In your house. Probably in your bed.

You went back to your office because Spencer couldn’t even leave you the dignity to retreat back to your own safe space that was now tainted with bad memories.

Luckily, you had a few pairs of spare clothes that you always kept in the office and a fully made cot in case a patient needed to rest. You settled yourself on the bed, letting the tears begin to fall again, drenching your pillow as you let sleep take over.

-

“Please pick up please please please,” Spencer begged.

“Hi, you’ve reached Dr. Y/N Y/L/N. I can’t come to the phone right now-”

Spencer hung up and hit his head against the steering wheel. He had already said what he needed to say in the previous 20 voicemails, followed by the additional 30 calls he made every 15 minutes, hoping you would pick up.

“At least you’re not blocked?” Callie tried her hardest to put a positive spin on it.

She didn’t know the full story, coming home after soccer practice to see her dad crying on the couch. Spencer told her that her mother had come back and hurt Y/N’s feelings badly because that was essentially what happened, right?

Spencer had been replaying the situation over and over in his head. Yes, it looked bad from the outside perspective but he didn’t think he actually did anything wrong. If only he could find Y/N, explain it to her and have her believe him.

“Have fun at school,” he hugged her goodbye before she hopped out of the car.

“Remember to tell Mrs. Roberts to drop you off at our place, not Y/N’s,” he reminded her.

“Our house is going to feel so dull though. It’s always cold, did you notice that? We don’t even have a cat,” she whined.

“The least we can do is give Y/N her space to process,” Spencer told her, “If she’s ready for us to come back into her life eventually, we’ll gladly take it.”

“If?” Callie grimaced, “How bad did my mother mess this up?”

“I’d rather not say,” Spencer simply stated.

“That sounds promising,” Callie sighed, “Bye, Dad. Love you.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

-

“Could you give this note to Doctor Y/L/N?” Spencer asked the receptionist.

Y/N,

Your house is cleared out. Despite your previous statement, it is obvious we have overstayed our welcome at the moment. I hope if you give me a chance to explain, it will ease your pain and in turn, mine. I swear to you, angel, nothing happened. I can tell the full story whenever you are ready and I hope you can hear the truth in my voice.

Yours,

Spencer

“Jake Gomez?” he heard you call out.

He turned around to see a little kid hopping out of his seat in the waiting room and following you into the clinic area. You made brief eye contact with him and you looked so broken. It took everything in him not to run up and beg on his knees for your forgiveness.

-

Callie had a big soccer game coming up and you really wanted to go but you also really didn’t want to see Spencer.

Sure, you got his note but he could easily have lied. It was hard to argue with what you saw right in front of your eyes.

You pulled your hair back into a low bun and wore a hood pulled over a hat as well as sunglasses. You made sure to blend in with the crowd of moms.

You saw Spencer about 2 rows of bleachers down, leaning against the fence. God, why did he have to look so good in jeans?

Despite your sunglasses, one of the moms caught the subject of your stares.

“I’m pretty sure he’s single too,” she nudged you, “If I didn’t have a husband, I would be all over that fine piece of ass.”

You just nervously nodded in response.

-

The game had gone into overtime. The teams had to take turns shooting on the opposing goalie’s net. Each team must take 5 shots with 5 different players and whoever makes the most wins.

Callie was put in the stressful position of needing to make the shot to win the game for her team. She took her time, lining up the shot and stretching out her legs.

Callie ran in for the kick, faking left and when the goalie dived, she kicked right.

“Score!” the ref announced.

“Yes, Callie!” you stood and screamed in excitement, “That’s what I’m talking about!”

After the initial shock wore off, you realized Spencer was staring directly at you.

You grimaced, “Um excuse me, sorry, excuse me,” you repeated as you tried to quickly get out of the aisle.

“Y/N, please wait!” Spencer ran after you.

“I came for Callie, Spencer, not you,” you huffed, slowing to a walk because the parking lot was up a hill and you weren’t about to sprint the whole way.

“Please, Y/N, let me explain. I miss you so much, it hurts,” he pleaded.

“Oh you’re hurt?” you asked incredulously, “I’m sorry that me leaving after I found you cheating on me hurt you.”

“I didn’t cheat!” Spencer insisted, “She was coming on to me but I rejected her every single time. I was yelling at her for how inappropriate her behavior was, that's what you walked in on.”

“You were yelling at her with your shirt off?”

“I had my eyes covered at first so I wouldn’t see her indecent but I accidentally backed into the sauce and I didn’t want to stain my shirt.”

You sat there in silence, processing his story.

“Please say something. I’ll do anything to make it right, I need you back.”

A tear fell from Spencer’s eye which was followed by many more.

“I think your story is just crazy enough that I believe you,” you spoke.

“Really?” Spencer asked.

“Really,” you outreached your arms for a hug.

Spencer dove into your embrace like it was his air. He cried into your chest for 10 minutes until he finally met your eyes again.

“I’m sorry, I just thought I was never going to get to do this again,” he squeezed you tighter, “I love you, Y/N, and I want you to be my girlfriend. I actually want you to be more than my girlfriend someday but this is a good start for now.”

“I love you too,” you kissed him, “And just curious, what did you have in mind for the future?”

“I’m going to make you my wife someday,” he grinned.

A/N: one chapter left of this series! 🥺❤️

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[michael-langdon-appreciation]

Not to be 'that bitch' but I'm gonna be.......Part 10 of the foursome? Perhaps sometime soon? I KNOW you were finishing it up earlier K I LOVE YOU BYEEEEEEEE 💛💛💛💛

Aren’t you just the luckiest little bug! I’ve been on a writing spree since I have finally been a good girl and charted out the entire end of the foursome. Clap and a half for meeee! 

Here is part 10 for you all! 

——————————————————————————————

PART 10

Y/N

While she would never admit it to any of the boys, especially Duncan…Jerome was an absolute dream. There was nothing that grossed him out or was too much of an inconvenience. He helped Y/N with her morning sickness, made her whatever she was craving to eat and even gave her a foot-rub last night. 

For the most of it, Duncan held his tongue. His hours had only increased as the Media Mogul worked overtime to make-up for the hiatus he took. Y/N would often find Duncan slumped over a stack of paperwork, the man only stirring when she runs her fingers gently through his hair, took his hand and led the way to bed. Y/N slept with Duncan. That was a non negotiable agreement and sometimes the only moments when they would see each other in the day. Y/N would be curved into Duncan’s chest, the little spoon while his hand rests protectively over her stomach, which was only getting bigger with each passing month. But despite Duncan’s best efforts, Y/N saw the resentment in his eyes last night. The way his eyes roved over her bump, her smile lazy with ease as Jerome worked out the tension in the ball of her foot. 

He’d gone straight to bed without a word, forcing Y/N to sneak in after him in the middle of the night. The bed was empty when she woke, as usual. But unlike every other morning, the was no breakfast wafting from the kitchen. 

Making her way into the kitchen, there sits Duncan at the breakfast bar, a coffee in one hand and the paper on the counter. He’s got his reading glasses on, a new development from staring at screens too long. 

They suit him. Give him that wise boss look as Duncan smirks at her, ‘Morning.’ 

‘You’re not at work?’ 

‘Took the day off.’ Duncan’s clearly proud of himself, ‘You have a big appointment today.’ 

Y/N grabs a croissant, ‘Jerome is happily taking me. You didn’t need to cancel work, I know you have a big deal closing.’ 

‘I want to be there.’ Duncan has that stubborn tone in his voice, the one you cannot argue with. 

Y/N takes a seat opposite him. ‘It won’t be pretty. They’re going to have to check me everywhere. Do the ultrasound and if things have taken a bad turn…’ 

Duncan’s hand slides across the table to take hers, ‘I’ll be right there with you.’ She can feel the tears welling in her eyes. Duncan regards her with such open honesty, such love in his eyes. ’Don’t you dare start feeling guilty again.’ He continues, ‘I’m okay. I’ve…dealt with it. Our arrangement is pretty good at the minute, wouldn’t you say.’

‘I feel like I can breathe for the first time in a while, yes.’ Y/N squeezes his hand, ‘But that doesn’t mean I don’t miss seeing Jim playing Xbox in the mornings, or Michael walking about in just a towel, his hair in a bun-‘

‘It’s just not the best idea right now.’ 

Y/N has to agree. While Michael and Jim are more than eager to spend time with her, to keep her company and dote on her every need, them together is just a powder keg. Jim is still hurting, badly. His lips spit vitriol every time they crossover, his eyes dark and full of snide comments. Michael does his best to let them all slide off, but Y/N still caught him crying in the elevator on his way out of the lobby. He never saw her, but Y/N’s heart aches every time she thinks of him, alone with his thoughts. 

Both of them…cannot really be alone. 

‘This appointment has to go well.’ She murmurs, seeking Duncan’s eyes. 

‘Have faith then.’ 

‘A croissant is not nearly enough for a Mom with two babies on the way.’ Jerome breezes into the kitchen, still in his pyjamas. He sets to work turning on the hob and cracking open some eggs. ‘Now I can do scrambled, poached, fried or an omelette. We’ll go omelette, more protein there for you.’ 

‘I don’t think we’ll have time, Jerome.’ Duncan watches him, ‘We’re leaving in twenty.’ 

Jerome wheels round, only just realising Duncan is in the room. ‘You’re….home?’

‘I do that sometimes.’  

Jerome nods, ’It’s fine, I just…’

‘Wanted to make Y/N an omelette.’ Duncan leans back on his stool, ready to play the game. ‘You’ve been a great help, Jerome. You’ve really been there for Y/N.’

‘Duncan.’ Y/N’s voice turns to ice, ‘Do not.’ 

Jerome takes the pan off the heat, ‘She’s a good friend. I want to give her all the support I can.’

‘She has plenty.’ 

‘Of course she does.’

Duncan stands at once, ‘What does that mean?’

Y/N dumps her croissant in the bin and heads to grab a coat. The macho fight was inevitable, but that doesn’t mean she has to stick around to hear the egos go at it again. The voice fade away as she buttons up her Rain Mac, the buttons straining from her large bump. Y/N rolls out her shoulders a couple times, feeling the usual nags and aches from carrying so much extra weight and returns to the kitchen. 

‘You’re all fighting over Y/N like she’s some prize to be won. You’ve even divided up the damn apartment, there’s visiting hours for the daddies, but who’s stopping to think about what Y/N wants?’ 

She stops dead upon entering the kitchen. Duncan and Jerome are inches apart. 

‘Say that again.’ Duncan’s practically spitting in Jerome’s face. 

‘We’re leaving.’ Y/N calls over, ‘Now. Duncan.’ 

Duncan extracts himself from the situation, his eyes never leaving Jerome. The Salesman stands tall, his arms folded over each other. ‘You think about that.’ Jerome calls, ‘You start putting Y/N first or I’m taking her out of this shit-storm.’

‘No one is putting me anywhere I don’t want to be.’ Y/N wheels back to glower at Jerome, ‘Thank you for your honesty. You’re right, Jerome. But I need them while I’m going through this. After the babies are born…that’s a different matter.’ 

Y/N swings her bag over her shoulder and calls the elevator. She steps in, not bothering to wait for Duncan. HE slips inside just in time, eyes wide and out of breath. ‘What the fuck do you mean by that?’ 

————————————————————————————

JIM

He rolls the car keys between his fingers. Jim’s focus is on the penthouse apartment, and then back to the streets. He didn’t miss them did he? 

No. He’s been vigilant. 

Jim checks his phone and there’s nothing. No new texts or missed calls…not even a software update. 

He has to know and Jim is already highly offended no one has bothered to call him. His stomach has been in knots for weeks, he can’t eat, he can rarely sleep. Not while that monster could be sucking the life out of his child. 

Jim will not let that happen. 

The car pulls up and Duncan steps out first. He offers his hand to Y/N who struggles to emerge gracefully from the car. She stumbles a little, but Duncan���s got her safe. 

He always does. 

They talk for a moment outside, perhaps discussing their next move. Jim’s fingers itch towards the door handle, to surprise them and demand to know the outcome of the appointment. But he bides his time as Duncan kisses Y/N’s cheek and then makes his way into the lobby. 

Y/N seems to dawdle, as if waiting for someone. 

Michael.

Jim holds his breath, waiting for the Antichrist to skulk out of his shadows and speak to her. But no one comes, Y/N pulls her coat tighter round her and Jim notices it’s new. The old one was just beginning to strain. Of course Duncan noticed something like that. He can’t have Y/N looking like she’s struggling at all, not when he can pour handfuls of money down her throat. 

Y/N’s head turns and looks directly at him. 

Jim swallows.

Shit. 

She makes her way across the road and knocks on the car window. Jim rolls it down, trying his best to remain cool. ‘You gonna hide in your car all day?’

‘I thought you were waiting on someone else.’ 

Y/N rests a hand against the car for some leverage, ‘I know you, Jim. You’re desperate enough to stalk the house and you have every right to.’ 

Jim hates her calling him desperate, but he can’t help himself. ‘So…?’

‘Michael’s child is larger at the moment.’ Y/N reports, ‘Our baby is the…runt I guess you could call it.’  

‘Fantastic.’ 

‘But the danger doesn’t seem to be there.’ Y/N continues quickly, ‘We’re just…going to monitor it. I’ve got appointments every two weeks just to be sure. The Doctor thought we were a little crazy but Duncan gave him enough money to schedule us in.’ 

Y/N’s leaning over so her hair spills down her chest. God he’s missed her. It just isn’t the same when Duncan or Jerome are around to supervise their visits. Jim just wants an hour alone with Y/N. Is that too much to ask for?  

‘Do you…regret it?’

Y/N takes in a deep breath, ‘No. Michael….I think he needed this. After everything he’s been through, family should be something positive for him. I’m not taking that away from him.’ 

‘I meant joining this.’

‘This?’

‘Whatever the fuck we are,’ Jim emphasises. His fingers tighten on his car keys. He’s running out of time if he wants to do something. Y/N searches him with those eyes he adores. The way the light catches in them from this angle… 

She pushes away from the car, ’Don’t you dare start spouting this shit. You didn’t have to join either, you could have turned me down flat at the beach. You didn’t have to pay for my ice-cream or agree to meet Duncan and Michael. You made those decisions yourself, Jim. And I am done feeling guilty and responsible for just trying to live my life.’ 

Her fingers run through her hair, Y/N anger distracting her just enough. There’s no one around. If Jim is going to act, he needs to do it now. Jim opens the car door, ‘No I didn’t have to do any of the nice shit I have done for you over the years. I didn’t even have to take you to PV. I panicked, okay? I saw Duncan’s shit and I just panicked and did what I do best. I run. I ran from my Mom after rehab, I ran from University when I couldn’t afford it. That’s what I do.’ Jim’s hand slides into his back pocket, for the cloth ready and waiting. ‘I wanted to get to know you, not the others. But we sat in that diner and we all got close, we all got on and they reeled me in. Despite everything I’m here, completely dependent on you. You’re the mother of my child, my baby who is in danger, Y/N. I’m here still trying to make things work with you because I can’t ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’ 

He takes a cautious step forwards, right as Y/N steps back. ‘I’m going upstairs.’ She says, ‘I am going to run a bath, put on some damn candles and get some Taco Bell with Duncan and Jerome. If you can join us and be okay with this situation…maybe there’s a chance for us. But you do what you want Jim. I’m not gonna tell anyone what to do.’ 

Y/N crosses the street quickly, looking over her shoulder once to check if he’s going to join. 

Jim hesitates, the fabric tickling the pads of his fingers. He tosses the cloth back into the car and locks up, quickly running over and sliding his arm round her waist. Jim calls the elevator, hoping to God he made the right decision. 

No more games. 

No more underhanded tactics. 

He’ll pour the chloroform down the sink the second he gets back to the hotel. 

———————————————————————————

DUNCAN

If there is one good reason for having Jerome around, it would be his cooking. For a guy on the road, the Travelling Salesman can make a mean steak. Duncan heaps Bordelaise sauce on top, nearly drinking right from the gravy boat itself. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought you went to culinary school.’ 

‘Who says I didn’t?’ Jerome replies, the corner of his lip tugging. 

‘It’ll be that time spent in France.’ Y/N concludes, ’Though what you were doing there-’

‘I’d be in breech of many contracts if I told you.’ Jerome answers quickly, his eyes twinkling. 

‘Government shit?’ Duncan concludes. 

‘Maybe.’ 

‘Black market goods,’ Y/N guesses. 

Duncan could swear that twinkle just grew slightly bigger, ‘Now that’s more like me wouldn’t you say?’ 

Jim has hardly touched his food. He seems incapable of communicating much at all, he just watches Y/N most of the time. He’s addicted, drunk on her and the news of his baby is only cementing Jim’s psyche. If Y/N wasn’t Jim’s world before, she is now. 

In the three months that have passed, Duncan has been Switzerland. The go between. He’s listened to Jim’s rants, the pent-up rage and witnessed just how carefully he helps Y/N. Duncan has caught Jim talking to Y/N’s bump when she’s fallen asleep on the couch, unable to detach from her. On the other hand, Duncan has talked Michael off the ledge, stopped the Antichrist from using him magic. Duncan has had no choice but to placate Michael, to promise him that no matter what, his baby will be born. 

But where does this leave him? 

Y/N’s hand rests in his atop the table, a fact Jim has been eying throughout the night. Jerome continues to tell story and story of his time in Venezuela, Morocco, Haiti. He gestures wildly, an entertainer and Duncan is reminded of the circus at once. Jerome is quiet, poised and observant but when he’s talking about what he loves, the man comes to life. For the first time in a while, there’s peace at the dinner table. 

About time too. Duncan couldn’t take another fucking takeout. 

He cleans up the plates, pushing his reading glasses back up his nose. He checks the stack of work emails for anything urgent, but it seems fate has smiled on him tonight. A night in with the people he loves, such a rarity these days. 

‘If you leave the plates to soak for a while in hot water, it’s easier to get the food off.’ 

Jerome stands in the doorway, watching Duncan with a smirk. 

‘I know how to wash up.’ Duncan says, ‘Not incompetent.’ 

‘No you aren’t.’

Duncan’s getting slightly more used to Jerome’s presence round the apartment. Ever since their bust-up Duncan’s been doing some thinking. He had nothing else to do while in the car with Y/N. But that doesn’t mean he likes having him here. ‘Don’t you have something better to do than critique how I do things? Isn’t there a hot water bottle for you to prepare, a bed to make or something.’ 

Jerome chuckles, ‘I got all that finished earlier. Unlike most people I find housework rather…relaxing.’ 

‘You’re so weird.’ 

‘It focuses me.’ Jerome explains, ‘De-stresses me so I can think about better, more exciting things.’ 

‘I wouldn’t know.’ Duncan bites back, ‘I had a maid all my childhood.’ 

‘And you’ve got a Nanny now.’

‘Apparently.’ 

Duncan drops the plates in the sink, eager to be out of the awkward environment. He needs to talk to Jim, to clear the air or…make-up for lost time. He needs to do something to make the Beach Boy feel more at home while he’s here. 

‘If you’re asking for his blessing, you’d better lift his mood a little.’ 

Duncan freezes. 

‘I’ve done an alright job.’ Jerome continues, ‘But I’m not family.’ Duncan remains glued to the spot. His heart has jumped up to his throat, gagging any word from coming out. His glasses slip again and he shoves him into his pocket as Jerome approaches. ‘I truly didn’t mean to see it, sport. Y/N wanted one of your shirts to wear and I found it in the bottom drawer.’ 

‘My boxers are in that drawer.’ 

Jerome nods, ‘My mistake.’ 

He can’t say anything. Duncan’s mortified. He had it all planned out, the perfect moment and the perfect setting. All he had to do first was speak to Jim, Michael had already given his permission the last time they spoke. He takes a shaky step, before Jerome calls him back again. ‘Out of the three of you…if it had to be one of you, I’m glad it’ll be you.’ 

‘She has to say yes.’ Duncan’s voice is a murmur, a terrified little whisper. ‘Jim has to be good with it.’

Jerome sidles past him, ‘Well…I think Y/N’s going to do what she wants. No matter who is upset, or who gets hurt along the way.’ He pats Duncan on the shoulder, ‘I wouldn’t worry, sport.’ 

There’s a horrid feeling of something hanging in the air. Jerome leaves the kitchen and launches into another story; Duncan can hear him from where he stands. He sags against the counter, pinching the bridge of his nose. Jim’s laugh rises into the air, so distinctive, so full of life. 

Duncan misses that sound. 

He always thought if there would be anyone Duncan would commit himself to, it’d be the floppy-haired, bronzed boy in the other room. But over the past months… 

Michael has a child coming.

Jim has a child coming.

The least they can give him, is Y/N hand in marriage. 

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