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bleachedhallways · 3 months

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lullaby & goodnight. ⌇ lrh.

A/N: i have a soft spot for dad!au’s & the idea of luke being a father makes me super soft, so i wanted to indulge in my silly little fantasies.

summary: in which, your daughter is having a hard time falling asleep & luke knows exactly how to center her.

word count: 1,000+ words.

“Ollie, baby, please–”

“No.” The young girl pouts, arms crossed over her chest with her favorite plush toy held in the grip of her tiny fingers. “No, no, no!”

“Ophelia, you need to sleep. How else will you have the energy to hang out with Daddy tomorrow?” A rhetorical question, yet you hope your five-year-old has the understanding and sense to answer it; Ophelia was incredibly smart for her age and seemed to be quite mature, however, she was a child and children will do as they please, no matter how old of a soul they already seem to be.

The tiny blonde shakes her head dramatically before looking away from you. At this point, you’re ready to admit defeat and let her stay up for as long as she wants, or at least, until she tires herself out doing whatever it was that she wanted to do. However, you wanted to sleep and your husband was in your home studio, finishing up a tune that he’d been working on for days, so grabbing him to help with your stubborn daughter was, in your mind, out of the question. You couldn’t leave her unattended, you’d feel like a shitty mother if you did and Ollie was too young to be on her own.

“Is there anything I can do to help you fall asleep?” You inquire, eyebrows knit together in hopes that there was a solution to this scenario. You’re met with large, doe-like eyes, the hue of them a replica of your own. Your daughter’s gaze is innocent, yet a hint of mischief lies in the depths of her irises.

“No, but Daddy can.”

Of course. Ophelia was a Daddy’s girl, through and through. She and Luke shared a bond unlike one you’ve ever encountered and had each other wrapped around their fingers. Whenever you three had family outings, there were moments where you felt like you were third wheeling; it was simply your husband and your daughter’s world and you were just living in it – happily, obviously. You don’t think you’d have it any other way. Sharing life with the two of them was one of the greatest gifts you’d ever received.

“Ol, Daddy’s busy right now.”

Ophelia wasn’t having it. She would not take ‘no’ for an answer, “I can wait for him!”

You blink twice, unsure of what to say to the child in front of you. The sound of a door opening and closing gains your attention, footsteps getting louder as they come down the hall and stop.

Luke pokes his head into the dimly lit bedroom your daughter occupies, a gentle, tired smile on his face. “Ladies,” He greets the both of you, “everything okay in here?” he adds, eyebrows raising slightly.

“Ollie is having a bit of trouble getting to bed.” You reply, your gaze averting from your husband to your little girl, who looks very pleased with herself; she’s about to get exactly what she wanted.

“Oh, yeah? Can I help?” Luke offers, fully entering the room. He sits on the edge of the twin sized bed covered in pale yellow sheets, stuffed animals crammed against the headboard.

Ophelia abandons her plush toy, leaning into her father’s hold as he opens his arms and cuddles her into his chest. A lighthearted chuckle leaves your husband’s lips, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looks at you, “Sorry, baby. I guess I’m what she needed.”

“Figures,” You sigh, a grin pulling at your lips. “She’s got you wrapped, Lu.”

“Definitely,” He agrees, before turning his attention back to your daughter. “Alright, miss. How can I help you sleep, hm?”

Silence fills the room as your daughter thinks for a brief moment. She’ll milk Luke for all the time that he’s willing to give her, there’s no doubt about that. Doe eyes look up, blinking innocently to really make sure he’s ready to deliver. “Sing to me, pretty please?”

Luke doesn’t waste any time in giving in to her command. If a lullaby is what she wants? It’s what she’ll get. “I can do that for you. Anything you’re wanting to hear?”

“No- wait, can I get comfy?” She asks, pulling away from her father a bit. Luke nods, shifting from his space on the edge of the bed, which prompts you to also get up in order to allow for your daughter to get comfortable under the sheets. Once she’s settled, you and your husband snuggle in on either side of her, wrapping your arms around the girl you both love most.

“Ready, sweetheart?” Luke hums, oceanic eyes peering down at your daughter. He always looks at her with so much love and so much pride, you swear that every time you see it, your heart swells up with affection.

Ophelia nods, her gaze trained on her father as he begins to sing softly, “Take my hand, now and forever…”

As he continues to sing, his melodic voice filling up the space, you watch as the melody flowing from Luke’s lips sends your daughter into a blissful, serene state. Her eyes get droopy as each second passes, the calm atmosphere and warmth provided by her loving parents causing sleep to overtake her. Soon enough, her head is slumped against the pillows, her face slightly buried in the Pink Floyd shirt your husband donned.

Your eyes meet Luke’s when you’re sure that Ophelia is sound asleep, quietly mouthing a ‘thank you’ to him. If it weren’t for him and his incredible knowledge of what your child needed, you doubt she’d be asleep by now. He smiles, blinking sleepily at you before gingerly leaving the softness your daughter’s bed provides, holding out his hand for you to take in order to leave her room.

With a flip of a switch, the dimly lit room is drowned in darkness, save for the pink hued night light plugged into the wall. Luke closes the door as you both exit, then wraps his arm around you and leads you to your own bedroom, sighing dreamily as the prospect of sleep draws closer with each step you take.

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sinning5sos · 8 months

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Having a baby with Luke would include...

3/4 in the father-to-be series :

Luke ~ so nervous to be a father that he overcompensates for everything during your pregnancy

You were humming to yourself in the kitchen, the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven throughout the air and Luke came in through the front door.

“Honey I’m home!” He called out, and you smiled as he found his way to the kitchen, “Oh you can smell those suckers outside.”

“Sorry, had a craving,” You answered and he chuckled as he wrapped his arms around you, his hands gliding over your stomach.

“I love your cravings,” He murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the base of your neck, “And I love you. How’s baby Hemmings and Mama Hemmings?”

“Baby is content now that they’ve had some cookie dough, Mama is tired because the baby won't let me sleep.”

“How about I finish baking and you go lay down?” He offered, and you giggled as you shook your head.

“I don’t want hockey pucks Lu,” You replied, and he rolled his eyes but accepted it.

“Fine, but I’ll at least order dinner and pick out a movie. What sort of food are you thinking of?”

“Hmm, I could go for some Chinese or even just pasta. Something with noodles I guess.” You responded, and he nodded as he moved from behind you and sat at the counter instead.

“Two more months baby,” He had a big smile on his face as he said, “I’m going to put the crib together tomorrow and then we can finish painting the nursery.”

“Sounds good to me. Have you ordered the food yet?” You asked, and he chuckled.

“It’ll be here in twenty, think you can make it that long?” He asked. You shook your head then opened the fridge again, looking for some sort of snack until then.

“It seems that it doesn’t matter how much I eat, I’m just always hungry.” You mumbled, grabbing a cheese stick from the bottom drawer and sat next to him at the island.

“Have I told you how much I love you?” He murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of your head and you leaned into his touch.

“Many times, but I’d love to hear it again.”

“I love you, and the baby that you are carrying and the life that we get to live together.” He murmured, “I love your strength and your joy.”

“I love you too,” You whispered, turning his chin so you could kiss him properly.

Other pregnancy things would include -

His head laying in your lap and singing to your stomach

Gasping so loudly when he could feel the baby kick or move at all

Lots of support from his family, including Liz ordering a sweatshirt for herself that says Nana Hemmings on it

Special souvenirs from all the places he would go to

Like an entire shelf of snowglobes or silly stuffed animals

Luke would be ready the entire last few weeks of your pregnancy

Like anything out of the normal he’s trying to rush you to the hospital and you’d have to talk him down every time

Until finally you are going into labor but you’re trying to convince him that it’s not until he’s fully panicking and calling the hospital and his mom and your mom

#sinning5sos #luke hemmings #5sos #5sos smut #5 seconds of summer #5sos imagines #Luke blurb #5sos blurbs #5 seconds of summer luke #5sos Luke blurb #dad!luke #lrh #lrh blurb #lrh imagine

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talkfastromance4 · 2 years

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blanket forts&thunderstorms--Luke&Lily blurb

word count: 867

Luke&Lily masterlist

masterlist

a/n: this is just a lil something because i've been getting a lot of thunderstorms lately.

enjoy!

The kids have been in bed for a few hours now and thunder rumbles in the distance while a steady rain falls upon the house. The movie you and Luke have been wanting to see on Netflix plays on the tv while you and Luke are entangled on the couch kissing and giggling like teenagers. You’re in the process of tugging his shirt up and off him, your fingers grazing the expanse of his warm back. His lips are kissing that perfect spot just below your ear when the power cuts out.

The house is suddenly loud with silence and Petunia starts to bark just as the kids scream and cry for you from upstairs.

“Did we die?” Luke asks, his breath hot on your ear.

“No, the power cut out,” you laugh, pulling his shirt back down.

“Mama!”

“Daddy!”

“Time to rescue our kiddos,” Luke says and gives you one last lingering kiss before climbing off you and the couch. He turns the flashlight on his phone, Petunia’s barking persists from upstairs. “Tuney’s probably in Posy’s room.”

The two of you walk upstairs together and you turn first into Oliver’s room. Using your memory and heightened senses in the dark, you find your way to his crib and he latches onto you quickly.

“Shh, shh,” you hush in his ear and hold him close. “We’re okay. Let’s go get your sisters.”

Lily has her little pink flashlight on and is clutching her blanket and bunny tightly to her chest when you move in her room next.

“It’s okay sweetheart,” you hold your hand out to her, “the power just went out from the storm.”

More thunder rumbles as Lily scrambles from her covers, she hugs you tightly. When you move into Posy’s room, Luke is trying to coax her from under the covers with Petunia guards protectively next to her bed.

“If you move your covers you’ll see mama, Olly and Lily are here, too. We can all go downstairs and make a fort.”

“Hurry Po, my feet are cold,” Lily says.

Posy peeks out from her blankets upon hearing her older sister’s voice and Luke smiles at her.

“C’mon love bug,” he lifts her effortlessly in his arms making sure to gather her own purple stuffed elephant.

The six of you (Petunia included) head back downstairs into the living room and lightning flashes. Seconds later, more thunder cracks and your babies let out shrieks of surprise, Oliver’s tears are hot as he cries into your neck.

“How about you keep your brother safe while we make the fort,” Luke tells Posy and sets her down on the couch.

You kiss Oliver’s head and wipe at his cheeks before settling him next to Posy, she hugs him close and he rests his head against her shoulder. Luke gathers the chairs, blankets, cushions, and pillows while Lily helps you with the candles. She pulls the buttons on the fake ones and you use the lighter on the real candles. Pretty soon, the living room is full of flickering lights and a cozy looking fort.

Posy helps Oliver off the couch, he crawls quickly into the fort and lays down sucking on his thumb. Luke runs downstairs as you and the girls settle in the fort and he comes back with his guitar. Lily and Posy cheer when they see him with the instrument. Oliver starts to suck his thumb and settles into the pillows and Petunia lays at the entrance with her toys.

Luke strums his guitar singing each child’s favorite song and Oliver falls asleep quickly. Posy crawls her way onto your lapl and you rub her back and play with her hair until she falls asleep too. Lily is fighting it because she always loves when Luke plays his guitar.

“Lay down, sweets, it’s okay,” Luke says in a hushed tone.

Lily situates herself by Olly who then cuddles up next to her. You grab your phone to capture the moment of all your babies sleeping together.

“I hope they never grow out of this,” Luke smiles at each sleeping face.

“Even if they’re married and moved out?” you tease then hush Posy who is whimpering from a dream.

“You know what I mean. I want them to always like being with us, knowing that we’ll always keep them safe.”

“Me too,” you smile.

“They get the fear of thunderstorms from you by the way,” he comments and sets his guitar against the couch. He rests a blanket over Lily and Oliver then settles in beside them.

“Are you complaining?” you grin shifting Posy so she’s laying in a more comfortable position on the pillows and cushions.

“Not in the slightest. I’ll never turn down a blanket fort in the middle of a thunderstorm with my love and family.”

“Should we move them when the lights come back on?” you rest your head on a pillow.

“No, let’s stay here until morning. Good night, lovie.”

“Good night honey.”

The two of you lay in the comfortable space you’ve created with the family you’ve created. Luke hums your wedding song and you join him until you start to drift off in the glow of this love.

taglist: @calpalirwin @calumance @in-superbloom @karajaynetoday @wiiildflowerrr @sunshineeluke @littledrummeraussie @suchalonelysunflower @hoodhoran @fobodob @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt @sunshineeashton @ashtonsunflower @mymindwide @itjustkindahappenedreally @seanna313 @mulletcal l @pandaxnienke @hellasblessed @gwynethhberdara @in-a-world-of-fandoms @prentisswrites @princesslrh

#luke&lily fluff #luke&lily #luke&lily universe #luke&lily blurb #dad!luke #luke hemmings writing #5sos writing

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wlntrsldler · 13 days

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poisoned mercury | long way home

a/n: poisoned mercury is officially over :( but i will be adding small blurbs in between chapters and adding post-chb five star and luke to the masterlist because i'm not ready to say bye to them just yet. enjoy pm's sophomore album cover, optimism don't come easy (unless it's with you). also no tags for this one because tumblr has been super weird and the tags haven't been working for everyone.

x. long way home by 5sos

series masterlist | previous | next

“thank you all for your participation this summer at camp half blood,” mr. d said into the microphone. he was finishing up his end-of-the-year speech and there was no dry eye in the house. all the campers were sniffling as they reminisced on all the memories they made this summer. your dad cleared his throat, “if any of you tell anyone that i cried, i will never forgive you.”

annabeth giggled, rubbing the tears from her eyes, “your dad makes that joke every year, i swear.”

“oh, i’m sure,” you replied, laughing along with her. “above all, he is a dad and that means he recycles the same jokes over and over again.”

“and they’re never funny,” percy added, though he was laughing at what mr. d was saying. “but i feel like i gotta laugh or else i won’t be accepted next year.”

“you have my permission to not laugh, perce,” you nudged him. “he gotta get some new material.”

“hey,” clarisse said from beside you. you turned to her, letting annabeth, percy, and grover fall into their own conversation. she was no longer adorned in her camp counselor outfit, opting to wear something from her own closet now that her duties for the summer were finished. “thanks for getting me this job, y/n. kinda changed my life with this one.”

your eyes darted between clarisse and chris, who was waiting by the wings of the stage ready for his cue to close out the farewell celebration. you placed a hand on clarisse’s knee, giving it a squeeze, “thanks for always having my back, clar.”

“always,” she nodded, “you’re my sister.”

you were feeling a lot of things at once. there were a lot of emotions coursing through your veins. you always knew that there were people who cared about you. your parents had a funny way of showing it sometimes, but you never doubted that they loved you. your friends, clarisse, silena, charlie, were always there for you, even during the most stressful times of your life. the poisoned mercury boys who welcomed you with open arms like you were a part of their dysfunctional family the whole time.

and luke.

where do you even start with luke? luke castellan was the boy you had promised yourself never to fall for again. the heartbreaker, the player, the musician, and yet, here you were, completely eating your words. everything you thought you knew about him was wrong and since you let your guard down, your world was turned on its axis. he was so much more than what people made him out to be. he was so much more than you expected him to be.

and you were lucky enough to have him. who knew a summer in montauk would lead to this?

“to close out our incredible summer, welcome poisoned mercury!” your dad said, clapping wildly as the boys entered the stage. he placed the mic back on the stand, giving short hugs to the band as they walked up to him. luke was the last to hug your dad and their interaction lasted longer than the rest of the boys’. when they pulled away from their embrace, luke had a slight blush on his face and a goofy grin as his eyes scanned the crowd to find you.

he sent you a shy wave from the stage as he adjusted the mic to his level. you blew him a kiss, which he returned and that made the crowd go wild. to them, luke was blowing a kiss into the ether, a message with no recipient, but you knew it was meant for you. something about it made your heart constrict in your chest. it was still hard to believe he chose you, but luke spent every waking moment making sure you believed it.

“camp half blood,” luke said, eyes twinkling under the lights. travis picked up his drumsticks from the floor, giving the left one a twirl, as he got situated on his stool. connor and chris played their guitars experimentally, tweaking the strings to get the right key. “man, i don’t even think we can explain just how thankful we are to have spent the summer with you all.”

luke turned around to face the boys who all nodded in agreement.luke faced the crowd again, sighing, “i learned a lot of things here. one being, there are a lot of talented people out there in the world. getting to work with y’all was such an amazing experience. many of you guys are aspiring musicians, and i’m here to tell you to keep going. i know it seems like sometimes your dreams aren’t worth chasing, but i promise you they are.”

“some of you kids are so talented,” luke said, shaking his head in disbelief. “little beth, i’m talking about you when i say this. you’re brilliant and i know i’m gonna be seeing your name in the charts in a few years. you got more talent in your pinky finger than we four up here have combined.”

the rest of the boys laughed, but agreed. luke narrowed his eyes, searching for a few more faces to give a shoutout to, “oh! and our boys percy and grover! we love you guys. keep in touch. you guys have to join us in the studio one day.”

“did luke castellan just give us a shoutout?” grover asked, turning to percy with his eyes as wide as saucers.

you laughed, patting him on the back, “i believe he did.”

“holy shit,” percy mumbled.

“language.”

“come on, counselor clarisse,” the blond boy groaned, “camp is over.”

clarisse huffed, smiling teasingly, “fine. i’ll give you a pass this one time.”

“not many people know this, but i went to camp half blood when i was younger,” luke continued, looking down at his feet. “it was my favorite place in the world. some of my best memories involved me sitting right where many of you are sitting right now, but then life happened and things went sideways for me for a while. it took me a while to pick up a guitar again, but man, i’m so glad i did.”

“if it wasn’t for music, i wouldn’t be here in front of you guys today,” he smiled, locking eyes with you, “and i wouldn’t have had the best summer of my life.”

“holy shit,” clarisse said, mimicking percy. she turned to you with a wide grin, “castellan is talking about you up there.”

“he is not.”

as if he read your mind, luke leaned into the mic, “thanks, five star.”

your heart swelled as memories of this summer flooded your mind; the smoke sessions in your secret spot that soon became luke’s as much as it was yours. hours sitting on the creaky bench as you both got lost in the fog of vices and genuine conversations. the bench where you learned about luke and he learned about you, something more than just introductions and superficial answers; the countless impromptu jam sessions in your cabin that started with you playing records on your speaker and ended with the boys playing their instruments as they screamed out lyrics to their favorite songs with you and clarisse. constant noise complaints from neighboring cabins because you were being too loud so late at night with melodies and laughter escaping through your open window. luke pulling you into his lap as he whispered cheesy love songs into your ear as you giggled; the days in your room, locked away with luke, enjoying his company. his lips always finding their way back to yours like a promise that he’ll always be around. luke. luke luke.

you were glad the lights were focused on the stage so nobody could see your red cheeks. the boys cheered from behind luke, unabashedly voicing their approval of your relationship. the crowd cheered along, even if none of them knew what the situation was. luke rolled his eyes at his friends for the commotion they started, “the song we’re playing for you today is not yet released, but we decided that it’s the perfect song to end the perfect summer. this song is called long way home, we hope you like it.”

–

“did you know you had a dimple on your back?” you asked, letting your finger linger in the crevice on luke’s skin. goosebumps raised on his tanned flesh as you lightly grazed his exposed back. “right here.”

“mhm,” he replied, off-handedly. he didn’t really know what you were saying. he was too dazed by the feeling of your touch on him. you two were on the grass on the hill by the lake, a reprieve, a plead for time to stop even just for a few minutes. tomorrow summer would officially be over. tomorrow the two of you would be leaving camp half blood. tomorrow you would no longer have empty hours to fill with each other.

luke didn’t want to think about it too much. he’d gotten too used to finding you lounging in your room or in the living room where he could join you to do nothing. to do everything. he didn’t know how he’d survive the next few months without you. your coach gave you the all-clear to resume practice once you were back on campus, which meant that visits during short breaks were no longer an option. luke was happy that things worked out for you, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t disappointed that you could no longer visit him during thanksgiving break.

droplets of water from your hair trickled down his back. he was face down with his head facing you, eyes fluttered shut as a sign of peace, while you leaned over him, tracing shapes on his back. you’d both just emerged from the water, checking off items on your “summer goodbye bucket list.” that’s what you’ve been up to this last week, revisiting memories and places that you weren’t ready to leave yet.

you chuckled softly, pressing a light kiss on luke’s spine. he smiled at the feeling of your lips, eyes hazily opening to meet yours. you took your place beside him, propping yourself up on an elbow as you watched luke come back to his senses, “are you even listening to me?”

“of course,” he lied, grinning at you in the boyish and charming way that always had your knees buckling. he squinted as you moved your head, the heat of the sun hitting his face, “‘m always listening to you, five star.”

“liar.”

he laughed then, letting the sound echo into the air, “i try my best, at least. but i’m no multitasker. i can’t concentrate when you’re sitting here all pretty in front of me and touching me like this.”

“you’re such a flirt,” you grimaced, though the smile on your face gave away your true feelings for the boy. luke looked pretty like this. there was no tension in his shoulders, like he was finally letting himself breathe. you wondered when you’d see him like this again. just last night after the celebration, you two had stayed up talking until deep into the night about how nervous he was to come back to the spotlight. he’d found solace in camp half blood, in not having to look over his shoulder every day in fear of the world. he didn’t know how the public would react to him being back again, especially since he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep up his facade now that it’s all crumbled since he met you.

maybe it was his lack of sleep that was making him vulnerable and a little delirious, but he shared with you that he felt like he’s changed. the luke that walked into camp half blood who was too scared to be himself in fear of rejection and failure was no longer there. a few months ago, he wouldn’t be caught dead like this, all soft and gentle for a girl. he couldn’t remember the last time he wanted to see a girl more than once. but with you, he couldn’t help it. the luke that he truly was became his default state when he was with you. all he wanted to do was hold you in his arms and be with you for as long as you’d let him.

“you say that like it’s a bad thing, baby,” he grumbled, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the sun. “you don’t like it when i flirt with you?”

you rolled your eyes playfully, adjusting your head until you fully blocked the light from his face again. you laced your fingers with his, letting out a hum when he squeezed your hand. “i didn’t say that.”

“so, let me flirt with you,” luke said. “i like flirting with you. you blush every time i do it and i think it’s fucking adorable.”

“stop,” you whined knowing that the blush he was referring to was starting to show on your skin. maybe you could blame it on the heat, but you both knew that that would be a lie. it was because of him. it was always because of him. “you like teasing me, don’t you, castellan?”

“a little bit,” he admitted, scrunching his face up in a way that brought out the creases between his eyebrows. his lips curved into a lopsided smile. his arms reached out to snake around your waist, pulling you on his body as he laid on his back. he placed his hands along the expanse of your bare thighs as you situated yourself on his abdomen. your fingers played with the silver chain around his neck. luke massaged your thighs, sighing out, “i like knowing i have that effect on you.”

“me and half the female population,” you snorted, “as much as you act like you know just how amazing you are since you have a gigantic ego, i feel like you also don’t give yourself enough credit.”

luke quirked an eyebrow, “was that a compliment, five star?”

“don’t get used to it,” you smacked his shoulder lightly, making him let out a chuckle. his chest rumbled from under you as his hands made their way up your waist. luke’s hands were always warm. he had callouses on his fingers from playing guitar and bumps on his palms from lifting at the gym. there were characteristics about his hands that made you believe that you’d know his touch even if you were blindfolded. there was something different in the way he touched you, even in the most innocent ways, you knew when it was luke. there was a light in your brain that would go off every time he was around, like your body, mind, and heart knew when he was there.

“i’ll take what i can get,” he conceded.

“does it bother you that i don’t compliment you as much as you compliment me?”

“nah,” he replied, looking up at you. the sun was framing your face in a way that made his breath hitch. you looked ethereal like this. it was like you were a figment of his imagination. luke had to place his hand flat on your ribcage to feel you breathe just to convince himself that you were real. “makes these little moments even sweeter.”

“but you know, right?” you questioned, eyes not once leaving his own. a shadow of doubt flashed across your irises. “you know what i think of you?”

luke castellan had a way with words that left you speechless. perhaps it was because he was a songwriter, trained to string together words in a way that you could never achieve. he made a living by writing, by voicing how he felt, and turning it into art, into music. there were many moments where luke would say things so poetically that it made your head spin. he says things so casually, so easily like he didn’t just utter out the most romantic things you’ve ever heard in your life.

you envied him for it, a little bit. you wished you could tell him how you felt about him as easily as he said it with you, but anything you tried to say felt like it would pale in comparison. luke didn’t mind. you had your own way of showing him how you felt. it was in your touch, taking your time to admire his imperfections. it was in the way you kissed him, smiling so wide like you couldn’t help it whenever he would press his lips to yours. it was in the way you paid attention to him, the little things that he didn’t even realize he did.

“‘course, i do,” luke tucked a piece of your hair behind your ear. he took his time bringing his hand back to your waist. he liked seeing you nuzzle your face into his palm as you kissed his wrist. “but i wouldn’t be opposed to hearing you say it, either.”

“i’m not good at saying how i feel,” you said, shoulder hunching as you spoke. it felt like you were letting him in on a secret that you’d never told anyone else. luke could feel his heartbeat in his chest. you dropped the poisoned mercury pendant back on his chest as you leaned down to bury your face in the crook of his neck. “i’m working on it, though. might just take me a while.”

luke smiled at you. his voice was earnest as he placed a kiss on the top of your head, “we got all the time in the world, five star. there’s no rush.”

you furrowed your eyebrows at his words, “we leave tomorrow, luke.”

“mhm,” he repeated, thumb running across your lower back. it made you shiver, the realization of his words hitting you. “like i said, we got all the time in the world.”

you pulled away from him, cradling his face in your hands as you placed a kiss on his lips, “yeah, we do.”

#frances writes #poisoned mercury #luke castellan x reader #luke castellan imagine #luke castellan pjo #luke pjo #luke castellan fanfic #luke castellan #luke castellan x yn #luke castellan x y/n #luke castellan x you

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bratzforchris · 8 months

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Life on Tour

Summary: A social media blurb about your and Luke's life on tour with 5 Seconds of Summer

FC: Sabrina Carpenter

A/N: I love doing these cute lil blurbs :) I haven't had a ton of time to write since I just started back to college, but I did want to get something out for you all since you've been so supportive lately! If you have any other blurb ideas, send them in my ask box!

❃

yourinstagram

Liked by lukehemmings, crystalleigh and 51,876 others

yourinstagram post show ice cream hits different

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lukehemmings Pretty girl 😍

wayf_luke CAN LUKE HEMMINGS FIGHT?

yourinstagram idk man ask him

michaels.bad.omens she's so pretty it's unfair 😭

yourinstagram

Liked by lukehemmings, mmataband and 47,675 others

yourinstagram luke is such a tourist guys 💓

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calumhood where's my photo credit

yourinstagram sorry cal<3

penguinluke96 i literally love them so much 🥺

sunshine.ash MOM AND DAD

lrhupdates

Liked by lashtonspenguin, 5s0supdates and 1,987 others

lrhupdates It looks like Ashton went sightseeing in Colombia with Luke and Y/N today!

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y/n_updates ashton is the best photographer 🥺

5secondsofmuke omg were mikey and cal there???

ashsgreyhound imagine walking the streets and just bumping into these three omg

lukehemmings

Liked by yourinstagram, 5sos and 97,834 others

lukehemmings Y/N said it best...we sold out MSG. Thank you a million times, I couldn't be more grateful ❤️

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michaelclifford that was my cookie

yourinstagram dude you ate like 5

5sos Our best promoter ❤️❤️

lover.of.y/n SHE'S AN ICON WTF

yourinstagram thank u babe🥺

lover.of.y/n I GOT A Y/N REPLY OH MY GOD

yourinstagram

Liked by yourbestfriend, lukehemmings and 31,456 others

yourinstagram swipe to see my favorite 5sos member

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niallhoran twins

yourinstagram love ya niall<3

ashtonirwin Why isn't it me?

5sos because

yourinstagram i love you too ash 💗

5sosupdates The cutest couple there is 🥺❤️

calumsbassguitar i'm so in love with y/n omg

lukehemmings

Liked by ashtonirwin, yourinstagram and 87,978 others

lukehemmings Even on tour Y/N figures out how to make the best meals 🥰

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yourinstagram <3

lukescatch22 MOMMY AND DADDY

lukehemmings Not anytime soon

glittereyesluke LUKE?? OMG??

snapbackmike95 Can you fight tho?

wastedheartslashton Pretty boy 💗

yourinstagram

Liked by lukehemmings, 5s0s_updates and 54,845 others

yourinstagram missing this girl lots today 💕 p.s. daddy says hi tuney<3

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luke_is_a_penguin_96 DADDY?

y/ndaily There's no way we're already calling Luke daddy 😅

5sos4ever PETUNIA SUPREMACY

⌗

➜ taglist: @lukesbolts @thatmarvelgirly

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bloodhoundluke · 1 year

Text

no more secrets

pairing: luke hemmings x f!reader (fc: claudia tihan)

a/n: hi cuties!! 🖤 here's another instagram blurb, this time filled with pretty random posts. i hope u enjoyed it & have a great rest of your day ♡ if u have any face claim suggestions i'm all ears!

➢ pt. 2 to this

yourinstagram

Liked by lukehemmings, michaelclifford and 91,023 others

yourinstagram I said 'smile for daddy'. Ain't those the prettiest smiles ever?

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lukehemmings Yes 🥰

loveroflukey SMILE FOR DADDY?? DADDY?????

5sosforlyf i literally love them together 😭😭

greyhound.ash PETUNIA AND COCO WORLD DOMINATION

yourinstagram

Liked by lukehemmings, louist91 and 101,125 others

yourinstagram The summertime and butterflies all belong to your creation 🦋💛

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sgfg_1049 A 1D REFERENCE???

yourinstagram I know lol....I was a huge 1D fan back in the day 🥺

louist91 A great song

yourinstagram Oh my god yes!!

vapory_cal LOUIS COMMENTED??? OH TO BE Y/N

5sos.updates

Liked by lrhupdates, saucymikey and 2,594 others

5sos.updates It seems that Ash and Cal were on the picnic too with Luke and Y/N!

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y/s/n.updates now we just need a pic with y/n 😭😭

5cashton just imagine them casually hanging out and bumping into them??? oh my god

yourinstagram

Liked by yourbestfriend, 5sos and 106,586 others

yourinstagram Concert stuff with the bestie

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malumshoes omg so cuteeeee

y/s/n.updates SHE IS THE MOMENT. AN ICON.

5sos What did you think of the show?

yourinstagram Was mediocre at best 🫠

5sos Oh...

lukehemmings I think she just hates my voice 🫥

loverofy/s/n THE BANTERRRR OMGGG, IMAGINE HOW MUCH FUN THEY HAVE TOGETHER !!

yourinstagram I'm definitely the funnier one in this relationship...imagine his dad jokes? Ugghhh

lukehemmings If I could dislike a comment I'd pick this one 👆🏼

lukehemmings

Liked by yourinstagram, yourbestfriend and 798,023 others

lukehemmings Dinner date. Swipe to see me getting ready.

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y/s/n.updates MOMMY AND DADDY

calm.5sos goals 🥹🥹

ashtonirwin Mom and dad?

lukehemmings 🤣🤣

yourinstagram

Liked by yourbestfriend, 5sos and 108,496 others

yourinstagram On my way to a 5sauce concert...

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5SAUCEM. OMG you're a legend

loveroflrh34 LMAOOOO

lukehemmings You think you're so funny

yourinstagram Oh I know I am funny

lukehemmings ...🙄

yourinstagram

Liked by yourbestfriend, lukehemmings and 120,047 others

yourinstagram Swipe for Lu's reaction when I dropped my pasta while filming this pic. Rude, don't you think?

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lukehemmings Hey! You're exposing me...

calumhood You deserve it lad

yourinstagram Thanks for backing me up Cal

calumhood Always

lukehemmings That's not the actual reaction photo by the way

yourinstagram Babe I think they got it...

lukehemmings

Liked by yourinstagram, ashtonirwin and 843,902 others

lukehemmings Did a cool photoshoot. Thanks for having me 🤘🏻🖤

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yourinstagram LUKE ROBERT HEMMINGS

yourinstagram Ok but why did you have to kill me with this photoshoot

y/s/n.updates Y/N IS SUCH A MOOD HONESTLY

loveroflukey I LOVE HOW Y/N IS FANGIRLING JUST LIKE THE REST OF US

lukehemmings

Liked by yourbestfriend, 5sos and 820,586 others

lukehemmings My dear devoted delicate...

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yourinstagram It's not worth it if I lose my one-way ticket for two...

5SOSAUC SHUT UP!! WHY ARE THEY SO CUTE!!!!

malumsshoes i feel so single 😭😭

#instagram blurb #social media blurb #luke hemmings imagine #luke hemmings fluff #luke hemmings x reader #luke hemmings x y/n #luke hemmings x you #5sos fic #5sos imagine #5sos x reader

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mikkomacko · 2 years

Text

Tag mutuals you want to get to know better!

Shout-out to my new friend @suitandtys

Favorite time of the year: I like September because it's my birth month and all three of my favorite sports seasons overlap, however I'm a winter girl so December-March are also top tier

Comfort Food: Depending on the time of year I switch between hot dogs, chicken and dumpling soup, and chili cheese fries

Favorite dessert: Coffee cake and plain or banana cheesecake

Things you collect: hockey and baseball cards, star wars trading cards, movie tickets, game day tickets, pennants, and smashed pennies (I'm a big collector lol)

Favorite drink: iced matcha lattes, water, root beer, and Fanta

Favorite musical artist: physically cannot name just one so my favs are 5sos, One Direction both together and solo, BTR, Halsey, Kacey Musgraves

Last song you listened to: Narco by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet

Last movie you watched: He's Just Not That Into You (I'm a sucker for romance movies)

Last Series you watched: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Series your currently watching: Watching Gilmore Girls as I type this

Current obsession: Nico Hischier in a Mets hat

Dream place to visit: Number 1 priority is visiting every MLB park. If I can't do that I still really want to go to Canada, probably Toronto but idk. Also want to go to Australia to see a Kangaroo. But I love NYC so I want to go back there too

Something you want: to be loved, feel comfortable in my body, succeeded in my future career, and for my friends to always be happy and healthy

Currently working on: Tyson Jost dad piece because I'm incapable of writing without making the main guy a father. Also contemplating a mikko or Burky blurb

Tagging my bestie so she knows I love her @boybands-baseball

Also tagging some people who's blogs make me smile

@syntheticavenger @jostystyles @rosesvioletshardy

(Absolutely no pressure to do this btw)

#about me #personal

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nostalgiabones · 3 years

Text

Finding Out // C.H

So, this is the first blurb in my new ‘second baby’ series! Following on from the responses I got in this poll, I decided to do this as a series of blurbs rather than one big fic. Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts! I don’t have a solid plan for this series yet so there’s still plenty of time if you want to have any input. I’m basically going to do a pregnancy and baby series! As always, feedback is appreciated so please let me know what you think💕

Word count: 3.3k

Warnings: pregnancy & sickness (nothing graphic!)

“Baby…”

Calum’s gentle touch on your arm rouses you from sleep, his fingertips lightly running up and down your wrist. Your eyes flutter in response, eyebrows furrowing in confusion when you take in your surroundings. You’re in bed, in the middle of the afternoon, tucked up under the duvet with Mara asleep in your arms. Calum is perched on the edge of the bed, wanting to make sure you’re feeling okay after falling asleep for a few hours with Mara.

It wasn’t often you fell asleep with Mara during her nap. Additionally, Mara didn’t usually nap in your bed; she’d be in her own bed, in her own room, down the hall. Yet today, she had wanted just one story to settle her, and with your own eyes ladened with tiredness, you decided to read to her in your bed. The plan was to move her when she fell asleep, yet it seems as though you didn’t make it that far. It was becoming less often that Mara would nap, now that she’s almost four; only sleeping during the day when she had been unsettled the night before.

“What time is it?” You murmur, careful not to move and jostle Mara – even though it’s time she wakes up too. Mara stretches, pushing her hands against your arm as she wriggles before settling again. “I didn’t even mean to fall asleep.”

Calum chuckles at your confusion, taking your hand in his own and pressing a kiss to your knuckles.

“It’s nearly 4,” He replies, his free hand brushing Mara’s curls away from her face. She leans into his touch, a sigh slipping from her lips as she snoozes. “I thought it was about time Mara woke up. We’re in for some fun later if she sleeps any longer.”

You nod in agreement, knowing she had already slept too much. You move the arm that’s wrapped around her, rubbing your fingertips up and down her back to wake her. She yawns and rubs her eyes, realising that she’s still snug up against you, and that she slept in your bed. “Hi mama,”

You smile at her words, her voice heavy with sleep. She sits up and notices Calum is there too; holding her hands out for him so he’ll take her. He lifts her up, standing up from the bed and sitting her on his hip as she wakes up a little more. It melts Calum’s heart to see you nap together – reminiscent of the days where the two of you had no responsibilities, where you used to spend whole afternoons asleep together, sometimes waking up when the sun had gone down. It makes him realise how different things are now. “Hi, little moon. Someone had a good snooze with mum, huh? Is your tummy ready for some dinner?”

He chats to her absentmindedly as he takes her downstairs, giving you a few moments alone to come round from your unexpected nap. Sitting up, you notice how your body aches with fatigue, your lower back twinging as you stretch. Thinking nothing of it, you re-make the bed, before joining Calum and Mara in the kitchen.

The familiar scent of Mara’s favourite pasta flooded your senses; one that you’d usually enjoy too, yet it makes your stomach turn as you enter the kitchen. Calum notices the scrunching of your nose as it hits you, wondering what caused it.

“You okay?” He murmurs, his hands resting on your hips as you stand in the cradle of his hips. You nod, taking quiet deep breaths through your nose to stop the sick feeling creeping up your throat. Mara was unsuspecting, the sight of you and Calum close in the kitchen not unfamiliar to her. “What is it?”

“I think it’s the food,” You reply, that being the only thing you can think of that’s making you feel queasy. Calum’s warm palms rub up and down your back as your hands rest on his chest. “I’m okay, though. I might just be coming down with something.”

“Mmm,” Calum replies, raising an eyebrow in suspicion of you. The fatigue and sickness are all signs that he’s seen before; specifically, four years ago. “We’ll have to keep an eye on you.”

“I finished,” Mara calls out, your attention diverted from Calum to your sweet daughter sitting in her chair at the end of the table. The plate in front of her is clear and Calum has already covered the rest, saving it so she can have it for lunch tomorrow. You’re grateful that it’s no longer in the room, not wanting to get sick in front of Mara. “Can I go play?”

You nod, helping her down from the table, accepting the sweet hug as she wraps her arms around your legs. “You have an hour until bath time, okay? I’ll come play with you soon.”

“Okay.” She responds, running off to the lounge where most of her toys end up throughout the day. Calum’s eyes follow you as you clear up after her; you feel him watching you, like he knows something is going on.

“Stop looking at me like that,” You tell him, without even looking at him. You know the look he’s giving you. It’s a knowing one. He knows the thought has crossed your mind too. “I’m fine.”

He chuckles, taking Mara’s plate out of your hands so he can take over cleaning up. He brushes a kiss to your pouty lips, before setting the dishes down in the sink. “Go see Mara,” he murmurs, followed by another kiss. “We’ll talk about it later.”

***

“Is mumma okay?”

Mara’s question takes Calum by surprise as he brushes through her unruly curls, following her bath. Her cheeks are rosy from the heat of the bath and the warmth of her pyjamas, perched on the edge of her bed as he gets her ready to go to sleep.

Calum tends to forget how old Mara is – how she’s not a baby anymore, and how she’s much more intuitive than he realises. She knows when something is different – always a curious child, much like he was, always asking questions when she thought something wasn’t right. He didn’t want her to worry though. He’s almost sure of what’s going on – that you’re not sick, and he doesn’t want Mara to lose sleep over it.

“Why do you ask, baby?” He replies, although he already thinks he knows the answer. Bath and bedtime is usually a joint effort; yet tonight Calum has sent you to relax early. He knows you won’t unless he forces you to, and he doesn’t want you to overwork yourself, especially if his suspicions are correct. Mara notices your absence though.

“She said her tummy felt funny earlier,” Mara informs him, looking down at her hands as she talks. Calum hums in acknowledgement, setting the hair brush down on the side of her bed as he gets her attention. Gently tiling her chin to look at him, he notices her big brown eyes are filled with worry, and it makes his heart ache.

“Listen to me, sweetheart,” He murmurs, settling her in his lap so he can reassure her. “No worrying, okay? She’s fine, I promise. I’m sure she’ll be in to say goodnight any moment now.”

Mara nods, trusting of him – he knows he hasn’t settled her completely, yet he hopes that once you say goodnight, she’ll feel better. He feels bad telling her that you’re fine when Mara has heard otherwise, yet he doesn’t know how else to explain why he thinks you’re sick. Not until he’s sure, anyway. “Are you ready to get into bed?”

He’s cut off by you joining them in her bedroom; the night light illuminating the room in a soft glow. She hadn’t quite overcome her fear of the dark; still needing the golden light from the lamp to reassure her that there was nothing lingering in the shadows. Mara’s eyes light up at the sight.

“There’s my sweet girl,” You greet her, kneeling next to where she’s getting into bed. “Are you ready for some sleep? Mumma is ready to go to sleep too.”

It’s something you say to her most nights, that you’re going to bed, so she doesn’t feel as though she’s missing out on any fun with you and Calum. Yet tonight it makes her more anxious, that you’re going to bed because there’s something wrong.

“Does your tummy still feel funny?” She asks, tucking her bottom lip between a teeth -- a sign of her nerves. Her sweetness makes you smile yet you can’t help but feel bad that she’s worried. You help to tuck her under the duvet, pulling it up around her shoulders so she’s snug in the bed.

“No baby, I feel better now.” You reassure her, though not completely true. It’s not something you want her to worry about either. Mara seems satisfied with your answer, shuffling down in her bed so her head is on the pillow. You rub your pointer finger over her cheek, watching as her eyes grow heavier and flutter as she looks at you. “Have sweet dreams, okay? We’ll see you in the morning.”

“Love you, mama,” She murmurs sleepily, snuggling into the bed as you kiss her cheek. Calum follows, brushing her curls out of her face and giving her a goodnight kiss.

“Love you, baby. You know where we are if you need us, okay? Duke is here too,” Calum assures her, gesturing to the sleeping dog curled up on the foot of her bed. It’s where he slept most nights, wanting to be near Mara -- sometimes ending up under the duvet next to her. “Sleep tight.”

You leave the room and pull the door to so she can sleep, knowing you and Calum have an interesting night ahead.

“So,” Calum begins, leading you to your bedroom, where you had previously been curled up watching Netflix. You sigh as you sit on the edge of the bed, looking down at your slippers to avoid his gaze. He knows where Mara got that habit from. “You’re thinking the same thing as me, right?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” You feign seriousness, taking a deep breath before looking up at him, a knowing smirk on your lips. “But when I napped earlier, the smell of your cologne on the pillow nearly made me throw up.”

Calum raises his eyebrows -- another occasion reminding him of this time four years ago. He’ll never forget the time he came home from the studio and wrapped you in a hug, your face buried in his neck, but only for a second before you nearly threw up all over his shoes. He’d had to use something other than his favourite Calvin Klein fragrance for the remainder of your pregnancy, and he feels as though he’s about to have to do the same thing again.

“Do you still have those spare tests in the bathroom?”

Your mind wanders to the stash of spare pregnancy tests in the bottom drawer of the bathroom cabinet, kept there always ‘just in case.’ It turns out to be pretty handy that you have them now. You nod, but make no effort to move from the bed in order to take one, and Calum wants to know what’s on your mind.

“Talk to me, honey,” Calum prompts you, sitting down next to you, his arm around your waist. You sigh and rest your head on his shoulder, trying to avoid his cologne once more in the worry of it turning your stomach. You sit for a moment, trying to work out what you’re feeling before articulating it to Calum. “What are you thinking about?”

A second baby was something the two of you had discussed; you weren’t necessarily trying to get pregnant, but you weren’t trying not to, either. You just hadn’t expected it this fast, and your mind wanders to the sweet girl sleeping down the hall.

“I’m nervous.” You reply, wringing your hands together in anxiousness, and Calum tries to soothe you by taking one of your hands in his. He links your fingers with his, gently squeezing to keep you grounded. “What if Mara doesn’t want us to have a baby? She’s so used to it just being her.”

Calum nods, and he’d be lying if he said the thought hadn’t crossed his mind too. You were so settled as a family of three, always focused on Mara, yet you both know you always planned to have more than one child.

“She’ll adjust, baby. It’s going to be new for us all. She has plenty of time to get used to the idea, and we can help her with that.” Calum replies, his hand rubbing up and down your arm as he speaks. “She’ll be so excited. You’ve seen how interested she is in talking to Luke about their baby when we see them.”

He’s right -- with Luke and his wife getting closer to the arrival of their first baby, Mara had taken a great interest in everything to do with her pregnancy. She had many questions whenever they visited, each time wondering when the baby would arrive. Her concept of time was something she didn’t quite understand yet. ‘Soon’ seemed to be her least favourite word.

“I love how we’re doing this and we don’t even know if I’m pregnant yet,” You chuckle, followed by a laugh from Calum too. He pulls you a little closer and kisses your cheek, a smile on his lips.

“I’ll be very surprised if you’re not.” He replies, and you know he’s right. There had been little signs here and there; mainly the sickness and how tired you’ve been, along with a few other symptoms similar to that of when you were pregnant with Mara. You both recognise the signs. “Should we go find out for sure?”

You nod and follow him to the bathroom, closing the door behind you, as not to wake Mara. You go into the drawer and find the tests, pulling one out so you can use it.

“You’re really gonna watch me do this?” You ask, seeing as Calum had no intention of leaving the bathroom.

“I’ve seen worse things.” Calum replies, met with you rolling your eyes. “I’ll look away.”

He chats to you to take your mind away from your worries as you take the test. “Can you believe it’s been four years since we last did this?”

It doesn’t feel like four years. It barely feels like any time at all since you brought Mara home from the hospital.

“Well, if you don’t count that one time after Mara’s first birthday.” You retort, Calum’s eyes widening at the memory before he laughs. That time you had definitely not been trying to have a baby. The test had been false, but you went through the motions all the same.

“Oh yeah,” He murmurs, getting distracted by playing with his hair in the mirror. The bleach blonde look was starting to grow out, the dark roots no longer concealed. He made a mental note to get a haircut, not like he had more important things to think about in the moment. His attention is diverted by the sound of you running your hands under the sink, watching as the three minute timer began on your phone.

“And now we wait.”

Calum takes your hands in his once more and tries to get you to look at him, even though both of you are pre-occupied by the white stick next to the sink.

“Stop worrying,” He murmurs, like he can tell how fast your mind is racing. He knows it’s a big adjustment, that it’ll change your lives forever, just like Mara did -- yet he finds himself much less terrified than he was four years ago. “Whatever happens, we can handle it. We always do, don’t we?”

You nod, feeling much better with him by your side. You think about how Mara will react -- will she be happy or upset? She’s so caring towards Duke, so you can’t help but think about how great of a big sister she would be. The thought of introducing a new baby to her makes your heart ache a little, just hoping that she would be happy.

Time seems to stand still as you watch the clock on your phone -- the longest three minutes of your life. You press your face against Calum’s t-shirt, knowing that if his cologne did make you sick, you were in the right place. You’re both snapped out of your thoughts when your phone buzzes against the marble counter.

“I can’t look,” You tell him, facing away from the counter. As nervous as you are, now that you’ve thought about another baby, you know you’ll be disappointed if it’s negative.

“Do you want me to?” Calum asks, and you nod, wrapping your arms around his waist and hiding your face against his shoulder. He picks the test up off of the counter and looks at the result, your heart pounding in your chest when he lets out a deep sigh.

Pregnant.

Calum pauses for a moment, his gentle touch on your lower back the only thing grounding you in the moment.

“So... which room should we make into the nursery?”

You clasp your hand over your mouth, tears instantly slipping down your cheeks. Calum pulls you towards him, setting the test back on the side and wrapping both of his arms around your waist. He rests his head on your shoulder, his lips brushing the bare skin exposed from your jumper falling out of place.

“Really? I’m really pregnant?” You ask through tears, cupping Calum’s face in your hands so he’s looking at you. You see a shine in his own eyes, unshed tears just sitting at his lash line at the thought of your family expanding. Flashes of your pregnancy with Mara flood through his mind, as well as glimpses of the past four years of being parents. He can’t wait to do it all again.

“Yeah, baby,” He chuckles, his tone laced with disbelief too. “Mara’s gonna be a big sister.”

There’s so much on your mind, you don’t know where to begin. “Should we tell her?”

Calum shakes his head, one hand moving to rest on your stomach, your bump non-existent. His heart skips a beat at the thought of your bump growing and your body changing again, all to accommodate another baby. He knows it’s very early days and he doesn’t want to tell Mara until you know everything is okay. “I don’t think we should yet, honey. Let's at least wait until you see a doctor? Just so we know for sure.”

He sees a flash of worry in your eyes. He’s forgotten how scary pregnancy is; how you feel like everything is out of your control, yet you want to do everything you can to protect the baby at all times.

“Don’t,” He murmurs, knowing where your mind is going. He cups your face in his hand, his thumb gently rubbing circles over your cheek. “Everything is going to be fine. We just need to be sure, okay?”

You nod, agreeing with his words. You reach up to peck his lips, savouring the serene moment of joy with him his fingers still absentmindedly brushing over your stomach. “Well, how should we celebrate?”

“I just don’t know,” Calum chuckles, thinking for a moment. The word celebrate has a different meaning now that you’re parents; it used to mean getting dragged to a bar with his bandmates and not returning until the early hours, and then spending the following day in bed. Now, you’re lucky if you find the time to go out for dinner. “I think we should go all out. Ice cream in bed and Netflix?”

“Sounds like a plan,” You reply, brushing your lips against his once more. “But if you get ice cream on the sheets, you’re washing them tomorrow.”

He shrugs his shoulder, nodding as he speaks, “fair enough. I’ll get the ice cream. I’ll meet you in the bedroom in 10.”

***

Ask-box

Masterlist

Taglist: @irwinkitten @wildflowergrae @luckyduckydoo @letstaketheups-and-downs @jazzyangel242 @cashworthy @babylon-corgis @norawashere @monsteramongmikey @late-nightdevil @maluminspace @fluffsshawn @xhaileyreneex @flowerthug @calpops @youngblood199456 @aliencal @wokeupinjapanisabop @banditocth @cashtonasfuck @5-secondsofcolor @g-l-pierce @monsteramongmgc @calmlftv @mantlereid @treatallwithkindness @another-lonely-heart @calumrose @inlovehoodx @mermaidcashton @everydayimfangirling @b-easybreezy @ilumxna @malumsmermaid @opheliaaurora23 @talkfastromance4 @zhangyixingxing1 @everyscarisahealingplace @mateisit-balsamic @saphseoul @suchalonelysunflower @findingliam-o @castaway-cashton @megz1985 @notinthesameguey @calumscalm @karajaynetoday @metalandboybands @littledrummeraussie @vxlentinecal @itjustkindahappenedreally @queenalienscherrypie @xxxstormyninixxx @chicken-ona-stick @hoodhoran @harrys-shrooms @midnightash

#ahhhh i'm so excited about this #dad!5sos blurbs #dad5sos blurbs #dad 5sos blurbs #dadsos au #dad5sos au #calum hood blurbs #calum hood x reader #calum hood fic #5sos blurbs #5sos fic #secondbabyseries #calum x mara #maramaau #mywriting #myblurbs

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calpalirwin · 2 years

Text

Dad’s Gaming Buddy

Summary: Michael gives you a much needed break from new parenthood.

Word Count: ~600

And away, and away we go!

Michael could see the exhaustion on your face as you cradled your newborn son to your chest. His heart cracked at the way your head leaned back against the headboard of the bed, eyes closed, silent tears falling down your face. He wasn’t stupid enough to ask if you were okay. He knew you weren’t, and bringing attention to your tears would only make you cry harder.

“When’s the last time you slept?” he asked instead, his voice a soft whisper, as his fingers ran soothing runs up and down your arm.

Your lips barely moved as you whispered back “I don’t know.”

“Give me a minute, okay?” You felt his lips press to the side of your head, then heard his retreating footsteps.

It could have been five seconds or five minutes, before the weight in your arms was lifted. “Mmm, what are you doing?” you mumbled, making grabby hands for the baby, eyes still closed.

“Shh, let me handle this.”

“If he gets hungry…”

“I got it. Get some sleep.”

“Mike…” More tears fell as your voice became a whimper of guilt.

“Shh, you have to take care of yourself too, babe. Let me handle this. Get your rest.”

Before you could protest more, he gave you another kiss, then left the bedroom, baby in tow. And you, too tired to fight, shifted down into a more comfortable position and let sleep wash over you.

When you awoke, you had no idea how long you had been asleep for, just that you finally felt well-rested for the first time in days. And with no sounds of the baby fussing, you let yourself indulge in taking a shower before going in search of your husband and son.

It didn’t take long to find them, as you followed the sound of Michael’s loud laugh to his gaming room. You cracked open the door, spotting Michael with his hands crossed behind his head as he laughed. A bottle sat perched safely away from his computer but still within arms reach. And your son was sound asleep in the baby sling Michael was wearing. Although as Michael continued to laugh, you heard the unmistakable little squeak from inside the sling, followed by Michael’s gasp. “Shh, no, stay asleep, I’m sorry,” he hurriedly whispered as his hands dropped down to cradle the baby.

You smiled at the sight, stepping into the room, and deciding how to announce your arrival without scaring either of your boys. “Oh, hey, Y/N!” you heard Calum’s voice say from the computer’s speakers.

“Hey, guys,” you said, waving at the rest of the guys on the call with Michael, as your husband swiveled around in his chair to see you.

“Hey, babe. How’d you sleep?” Michael asked, reaching out a hand for you.

You grabbed his hand in yours, stepping closer to him. “Pretty good. How long was I out?”

Michael fluttered his lips as he thought. “Couple hours I think? I’m not really sure.”

“Shit, little man must be starving. You should’ve woken me up.”

Michael nodded his head at the bottle on his desk. “I took care of it.”

You smiled gratefully at him. “Thank you,” you said, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“You don’t need to thank me.”

“I know. But I really appreciate it. So what have my boys been up to?”

“Just playing some games with the guys.”

“Aw, Daddy’s little gaming buddy, huh?” you cooed down at your son still asleep in the sling.

“More like good luck charm,” Luke snorted.

“For real. Haven’t won a single game all afternoon,” Ashton chimed in. “Why do I bother to do this again?”

“Cuz we’re your only friends,” Calum grinned.

“Fuck you,” Ashton laughed.

“So, another round?” Michael asked, drumming his hands on his desk.

There were murmurs of begrudged agreement as you reached to take your son from Michael, but his hands swatted you away. “I need my gaming buddy, babe.”

“Okay. I guess I’m gonna leave you boys to it then.” You gave Michael another quick kiss. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, babe. Anytime.”

Tag List

@aquarius-hood1996 @creator-appreciator @philthepegacorn @myfavfanficsever @youngblood199456 @stormrider505 @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @hoodhoran @metalandboybands @maybeememez @binxiboo @victoria432stuff @maedesculpaeusoubi @hfkait

#dad's gaming buddy #michael clifford #michael clifford blurb #dad!michael #michael clifford x reader #5sos #calpal irwin

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sinning5sos · 8 months

Note

can y/n be married to Cal and he has a son from his first marriage, and like something happy happens? idk, the son like asks her to do something big and y/n is so excited

You admired the way that Calum was moving in the front yard, his body gleaming with sweat and his muscles contracted under his shirt. He was arranging a new flower bed, specifically because you had mentioned once that you loved the idea of having one, and building it himself in front of the house the two of you shared.

You finished washing some dishes from breakfast, when you spotted your step-son running over to Calum. He was a bonus of you marrying Calum, already nine years old and you loved him more than words could express. He had slowly warmed up to you while you had dated Calum, he was only three when the two of you first met.

His mother wasn’t in the picture, and it had left him wanting a relationship with you but he was still scared. Calum encouraged him every step of the way, allowing him to move at his own pace and for him to do what he wanted.

The two of them chatted for a minute, then both turned to look at you in the window and you smiled back at them. Calum handed him a daisy from the garden then nodded, and you watched your step-son run around the house to get in through the side door. He held the daisy out to you, which you gladly accepted and smelled it for a second, then leaned down closer to him.

“Would you want to go bowling with me to the mommy-son bowling?” He asked, rocking back and forth on his feet and you quietly gasped at the question. You immediately smiled as you nodded excitedly, and wrapped him into your arms and squeezed him tightly.

“Of course I would, oh - I’m so excited now!” You said, pulling away and kissed the tip of his nose and he giggled before running away into the living room. You hummed as you stood up and moved back to the window, and watched Calum carry his tools back into the garage then out into the backyard. You grabbed a glass of water and carried it out to him, and wrapped your arms around his back.

“Calum, baby guess what.” You said, and he smiled as he let his tools fall to the ground and turned in your arms to face you, but you didn’t even give him a chance to answer, “Oh, he asked me to go with him to the mommy-son thing,”

“I know baby,” He said, and you furrowed your brows but he chuckled, “He asked for permission just now in the yard before he could take you out on a date.”

You fake frowned at how cute that was, and hugged him tightly, despite him being sweaty from working all morning, but you fully embraced him.

“I’m so happy baby, I can’t even begin to tell you. He loves you so much, when you go home - you’re all he talks about. You’re so much better for him than she could have ever been.” He murmured, and you pulled back and cupped his cheeks as you saw his eyes begin to water, “I have so many words but all I can say is thank you for loving him the way that I do.”

“Always, Cal. He’s a part of your life, and you’re a part of my life, probably the most important part. Thank you for letting me be in his life. I know he had a hard time trusting women after everything she did, but I just love him so much. I’d do anything for him,” You said, and he leaned closer and kissed your forehead, humming gently as he held you.

“I love you,” You whispered, and he smiled as he tucked his head down and kissed your lips.

“I love you,”

#calum hood #5sos #sinning5sos #5sos imagines #5 seconds of summer #5sos smut #calum #cth #Calum imagine #Calum blurb #Calum 5sos blurb #calum hood imagines #calum 5sos #calum 5 seconds of summer #Calum fluff #dad!calum #dad!cal #Dad!cal blurb #calum x reader blurb

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calpops · 3 years

Text

birthday breakfast | l.h.

You set out to ensure that Luke has a good birthday.

1.2k words

living with luke masterlist | feedback and reblogs mean the world

* * *

Luke wakes to the creak of his door opening, to light spilling into his room from the hallway and a smile that makes his heart warm. Robbie’s head peaks through the door, his smile so bright and airy Luke’s sure he’s on the verge of laughter just from seeing him. He’s cradled to the side of you, one arm protectively holding him at your hip. Your smile is more timid than Robbie’s, a little less certain, a little apprehensive as you hesitate in the doorway. Luke smiles back and waves you in, cocks his head to the side as the door swings the rest of the way open and he’s met with the sight of breakfast on a tray in your other hand.

“What’s all this?” He asks as you move towards his bedside, offer him Robbie first, whom he gladly accepts with open arms and a small spattering of good morning kisses to his squishy cheeks.

“Birthday breakfast,” you answer softly and pass him the tray after he’s got Robbie settled on his lap.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Luke murmurs but hopes you catch the appreciation in his tone.

You shrug. “It’s from Robbie. And so is this,” you explain as you pull out a small envelope from your sweatshirt pocket and hand it over to him.

The warmth in Luke’s chest expands as he accepts the next token and slides a thumb under the seal. Robbie giggles in his lap, his small hands gripping the lip of the tray, interested gaze taking in the sight of food, pert nose wiggling at all of the smells.

Luke quickly opens the card and reads the sweet words from son to father about birthday wishes. Robbie’s name is signed under a tirade of xoxoxo. Luke smiles again, broader, warmer, touched to his very core you went out of your way.

“This is from Robbie, huh?” Luke asks and gives his son a little squeeze around the middle which brings on another giggle.

“Yes, he signed it and everything,” you say with an over dramatic nod.

“Don’t know when he learned cursive but that’s quite impressive,” Luke jests and looks down at Robbie. “Did he even make me breakfast?”

“All by himself,” you answer without missing a beat, face going flush and a sway in your stance taking over your body.

Luke nods again, makes another little comment about the genius of Robbie and how fast he’s growing up—he can already use the toaster!—then looks back at you. You stand awkwardly, hesitation sweeping over you as your eyes dart for the door and your arms cross over your stomach. You hold yourself there, waiting, for what Luke’s not exactly sure.

“Well, do you want to join us? It looks like Robbie made enough for everyone,” Luke comments and pats the free side of the bed.

“Are you inviting me into your bed, Luke?” You joke half heartedly.

“It’s not like you haven’t been in it before,” Luke responds quickly and revels in the sharp intake of breath that colors your surprise. He grins, wide and teasing and loving the air that surrounds you. “Come on. Lots of space, right here.”

“Oh no, you should just enjoy your morning with him,” you refuse with a slight shake of your head. “I don’t want to impose.”

Luke arches his eyebrow and pats the bed again, knocks his head to the side and just out his lip. “As the birthday boy, I insist.”

It takes you a moment to decide but soon enough the shake of your head turns to a nod and you slowly round the bed. You climb up and settle beside Luke, he notes the distance you keep between you, the rigidity that’s taken over your form. Your legs are stiff and your hold around your middle doesn’t drop. Even after all of the breakthroughs and coming to try and know each other there’s still a cavernous distance that lies between you.

Luke feels that emptiness in his chest from time to time. When he sees you with Robbie and feels he has to hesitate to approach. When you have to work late and ask Luke if he’ll watch Robbie, as if he’s just a babysitter and not his father. He knows you're not used to having him around, that you were on your own for so long, and those habits and instincts have yet to collapse.

“Here,” he offers and hands you a piece of toast to which you actually respond without hesitation this time. “How’d you guys know birthday breakfast is my favorite?”

“Lucky guess,” you say with a shrug and take a bite. “Robbie’s just so smart,” you continue, tone turning softer as you wrinkle your nose and smile at the baby.

Luke realizes that Robbie is your shield. The barrier that keeps you from each other. From admitting anything that might make those walls and hesitancies come down. Though the atmosphere is light and filled with treading Luke sobers and turns more serious.

“You really didn’t have to do this for me, you know,” he says again and hopes you’ll understand he’s not joking, he doesn’t want a volleying of Robbie between you.

Your demeanor shifts and suddenly you’re nearly sullen.

You let out a sigh, “I did. I don’t really know what we are to each other. Roommates. Co-parents. Friends? But I do know you’re Robbie’s father and this is what family does for each other.”

The emptiness in Luke’s chest begins to fill and flutter as he lets a grin claim his face. He looks from you to Robbie, presses a kiss to the top of his son’s head and then looks back up at you.

“Friends sounds good,” Luke says, though there’s a feeling of wanting more. He doesn’t voice that feeling, lets it on his tongue, simmer, knock around his chest and rattle his ribs.

“It does,” you agree with another little nod and nibble on the toast. “I’ll let you eat your breakfast in peace,” you say and shift off the bed without any way for him to protest. He senses that it’s enough for now, he doesn’t want to push. “Want me to take Robbie?”

“Absolutely not,” Luke says quickly and pulls Robbie up closer to him, settles him against his chest rather than his lap. “He’s the only birthday present I want.”

You laugh and assent to the plan of leaving Robbie with him. Before you break away for the door you hesitate and it piques Luke’s curiosity. You bite your lip and furrow your brows before heading towards him, leaning down and giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Happy birthday, Luke.”

In that moment, with your lips on his overheated skin, your son giggling in his ear and playing with his curls, Luke’s sure he’s never had a happier birthday.

* * *

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#luke hemmings #5sos #Luke hemmings blurb #5sos blurb #Luke hemmings fluff #Luke hemmings imagine #5sos fluff #5sos imagine #dad!luke #dad!sos #lwl #lhblurb

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calumrose · 3 years

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At The End Of The Day || L.H

A//N: Long time no see! Hello! It’s been a hot minute since I posted on here, and considering I finally managed to sit down and finished something that I started, I decided it was worthy enough to post. Hopefully I’m gonna have a few more things in the works with any luck, so keep an eye out for those! Anyway, I hope you guys like this!

Word Count: 5.9k

The end of the day was always a favourite time of Luke’s – a time when all the events which made up the hours that he had spent awake came to a halt, when the ticking of the clock seemed to slow down as the sun would begin to set. It was a time where he could slow down, much like that of the clock, where he could lay his head against the back of the sofa and take a breath as his mind caught up with his body on the events of the day. It was a time reserved for him and his family.

The familiar voices of Winnie The Pooh and his friends filled the living room, their adventure taking them deep into the hundred-acre wood, towards the destination that Elle had reminded Luke was called ‘Heffalump Hollow’ (as if he could forget). The contagious laugh of Tigger erupted through the speakers along with the springing sound of his tail as he bounced, the quiet stutter of Piglet sounding not too long after him, asking him where he was going. Luke had forgotten how many times he had watched this same scene, the same movie, in that week, let alone in his lifetime. It was a favourite of the girls, one they requested often, and who was Luke to deny their bright blue eyes blinking up at him when they asked.

A movement on Luke’s chest broke his attention from the animation which played out on the screen in front of him, his eyes dropping to look downwards. His gaze fell to a small head of blonde curls, a little peeking out from beneath the blanket which covered their two bodies. He felt a pair of little knees pushing against his stomach, Kenzie’s little body wriggling slightly against him as she attempted to move herself further up, a soft grumble sounding from between her pouted lips as she attempted to climb. Subtly, Luke slipped his hands beneath her arms and helped her out, chuckling quietly under his breath as he moved her, allowing for her to settle a little closer to him than where she had been laying previously. Her curls tickled his neck as she tucked her head in, a warm cheek becoming pressed up against the crook where his neck met his shoulder, messy curls tickling Luke’s jaw and ear.

A content sigh slipped from Kenzie’s small, pouting lips, a little wisp of air tickling Luke’s skin as she relaxed once more. Luke pulled the blanket a little further up, making sure Kenzie’s torso was once again covered by the warm fabric, protecting her same frame from the slight draft which was known to creep in after sunset. He brought a hand to lay on her back, the tip of his thumb lightly brushing the back of her small neck with every gentle swipe.

Looking down the best he could without moving his head too much, Luke caught a glimpse at his youngest daughter, a small smile curling at his lips as soon as his eyes caught sight of her own. He could see the reflection of the TV in her sweet eyes, the sparkles within them catching the light of the TV, only making the blue of her iris seem brighter. She looked so calm, yet so enthralled by the colourful movie, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks with every slow blink as she watched her favourite characters chatter and run around.

His children’s expressions always fascinated Luke: how their little faces could make the simple smile seem like the most incredible thing he had ever seen. Kenzie’s expressions were slowly developing as she got older, her little face always trying to copy whatever faces Elle would pull or the faces she would watch you and Luke make at her when playing. Kenzie’s current favourite was the most recent one that Elle had taught her, her older sister being very proud of herself for having taught the little one to copy it. She loved to stick her tongue out at you and Luke, giggling and clapping her hands together when she knew she had been caught. She always found it funny when you caught her little tongue poking out from between her lips. Even you and Luke had to admit that it was quite funny considering how young she was.

Luke let his eyes drift across the room, ears pricking up at the sound of his eldest’s voice talking quietly – he assumed – to herself. He caught sight of you laying across the floor, your head resting against a cushion which you had taken from the other sofa, tilted to the left as you looked up at the TV where Elle was pointing. Blue eyes drifted downward, his focus falling to where Elle’s head lay on your stomach, one of your hands lightly running through her curls, which you had pulled free from the ponytail that they had been tied in earlier in the afternoon.

He could just make out the hint of natural pink in her supple cheeks, her grin pushing them upwards as she giggled at the incident that occurred between Rabbit and Tigger. He could hear you talking back to her, your voice low and delicate, a caring, motherly tone lacing your voice as you answered what he assumed was a question that she had asked.

The movie continued to play, bright colours flashing across the screen as the story developed further and new characters were introduced. You noticed Elle’s face light up when her favourite scenes played, and her eyes lit up upon seeing them, her little mouth mumbling along to the ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ song the best she could, her little head swaying from side to side as she remained to lay against you.

You also noticed the sadness in Elle’s eyes when the scene where Roo and Lumpy were unable to find Lumpy’s mother played, the two boys trekking through the woods in search of her. It broke your heart to see her look so sad, her little eyes turning big and glossy as she looked up at the screen. You continued to comb your fingers through her hair to comfort her, your fingertips tucking straggling curls around her ears, your skin gently brushing against the shell of her ear as you moved your hand back into her curls.

“Mumma, what if Lumpy can’t find her?” Elle sniffled, her head turning to look at you from where she lay. Your eyes met her blue ones, seeing the shine in them from the unshed tears which threatened to bubble at the sad occurrence that played out in her favourite movie.

You wanted to remind her that she knew how the movie ended, that she knew that the little Heffalump would find his mother shortly and be reunited, but part of you felt like that was ruining the effect of the movie for her. You still wanted to assure her that it was alright though, that it would turn out alright.

“Don’t worry, baby, he’ll find her. He’s just got to look a little further, yeah? He’ll find his Mumma soon.” You whispered the words to her, looking down at her and offering a reassuring smile in the hopes of relieving the little ounce of sadness which she felt.

Luke watched from where he lay on the couch, eyes never tearing from the sight of you and Elle as you talked quietly to one another and watched as the plot of the children’s movie continued to unfold before you. It amazed him how you were with the girls, how they looked at you like you were their world, much like how you said they looked at him, but he swore it was different when their eyes fell to you. There was something different in the way which they saw you, something different which sparkled in the blue ocean of their irises. He couldn’t pinpoint what exactly it was, but he knew it was something special, something that he, himself, could never receive. It was only reserved for you, a unique light which sparked within them when it came to you.

You had always said that your girls were definitely ‘Daddy’s girls’ but Luke swore in that moment when he looked at you and Elle, you were giving him a run for his money. He knew he would happily have one of his girls turn into a ‘Mumma’s girl’ any day of the week, loving nothing more than to see them with you and to bear witness to the love that they had for you especially.

As the movie slowly began to come to an end, the final scene starting to play out, Luke knew it was nearly time to get the girls ready for bed. It was getting late – ‘past their bedtime’ kind of late to be exact, and both of you were sure it wouldn’t take long for the girls to fall asleep once you put them to bed.

Luke took a glance down at where Kenzie laid on his chest, her head having moved so it was more curled downwards towards the centre of his chest, her shoulders hunched up as her body curled up in place. Her hands were tucked next to her face, little fingers curled into the fabric of Luke’s sweatshirt, grasping the soft grey item in her small hands as she snuggled her cheek against it. She looked cosy, the fringe of the blanket that was covering her tickled her skin, the cream-coloured tassels falling from the edging of the fabric and brushing her neck slightly.

He noticed how her eyes were closed, delicate lashes fluttering against her supple cheeks. Her lips curled into a pout as she slept, little puffs of air slipping out with every gentle breath she released. Luke wondered how long she had made it into the movie before she had drifted off, remembering how tired she was earlier in the evening when they had finished dinner, tired hands rubbing at her eyes as she let out a little yawn now and again. It appeared Kenzie had decided that she would dictate when her bedtime was this time.

The music which played alongside the credits was a tune that you and Luke swore you could sing in your sleep, it being a song you heard numerous times in the week, never mind that month, along with the many others which decorated the soundtrack of what was your girls’ favourite movie.

Gently, you encouraged Elle to get up, using your hand to help her sit upright before doing so yourself, the two of you standing to your feet before you handed her the cushion you had been resting on to go and put it back on the sofa where it belonged. Her little feet sounded delicately against the floor, skipping around the coffee table as she moved towards the sofa, leaning over with a soft grunt and she placed the cushion back in its original placement. You smiled as she gave it a gentle pat upon placing it down – a notion she had watched you do before.

“Right, missy, bath time, let’s go,” You ran your hand through her hair as she came back to stand in front of you, the two of you facing Luke who remained laying across the couch with Kenzie asleep on his chest. “Why don’t you go upstairs and pick out what toys you want in your bath and maybe, if you’re quick, Daddy will come and kiss you goodnight when you go to bed.”

“But Daddy always kisses me goodnight?” Elle furrowed her brow, a little confused. She tilted her head up to look at you as you stood behind her, the crown of her head pressing against your thigh.

Unable to help your smile, you cupped her face with your hands, her soft cheeks sitting in your palms as you leaned down and pressed a little kiss to the tip of her nose, mumbling a quiet, “Just go and pick some toys, okay? I’ll be up in a minute to start your bath.”

With another quick kiss to her nose, you sent her on her way, listening to her little feet as the sound of pitter patter bounced against the hallway floor, slowing down as she came towards the stairs, beginning to climb them one at a time. You could hear each foot make contact with each individual step, the rhythmic sound of ‘1-2’ sounding as she climbed.

“Is she holding onto the railing?” Luke asked.

You leaned back slightly, just enough so you could catch the sight of Elle on the stairs through the open doorway. You watched as she took each step one at a time, her little hand clutching around the bars of the bannister like Luke had taught her as she climbed. Smiling, you gave him a nod, laughing softly as you watched her, noticing how she refused to take her eyes off her feet, watching every step she took to make sure she didn’t stumble. “Just like you’ve always told her to.”

“That’s my girl.” Luke said, proudly.

You each listened out for Elle as she entered the bathroom, the two of you wincing as you heard the door knocking against the wall, a small clatter sounding, Elle obviously having pushed it open a bit too eagerly. Continuing to listen out, you could hear Elle begin to rifle her way through the wicker basket which contained the collection of toys that were reserved for bath time.

“I suppose I should head up and make sure she doesn’t make it so that there’s more toys than water in her bath,” You reached a hand out as you moved closer to the couch where Luke and Kenzie lay, combing your fingers through Luke’s fluffy hair much like how you had done with Elle throughout the movie. It was a notion he loved, a soothing comfort which you had given him since the day you met, a natural placement where your hand would reside when you lay together. You smiled as you took notice of his expression shifting; how his eyes fluttered close momentarily and his smile became slightly looser around the edges. He was slowly slipping into relaxation – a common state whenever you played with his hair, even after all the time you had been together. “Are you okay to put Kenzie down while I give the princess a bath?”

“Of course,” Luke’s words were quiet as they fell, his eyes slowly opening and looking up to meet yours. “I’ll take her upstairs and get her changed before I put her down, and then I’ll come through and say goodnight to Elle.”

Luke swore he felt his heart sing at the sight of your smile, seeing the way your cheeks rose at the mention of putting your girls to bed. It was a special time for the two of you – bedtime. It was a time that had quickly become a favourite of yours as the girls had gotten that little bit older, finding the fun and love in the small interactions which came with wishing them a goodnight sleep. You both saw one another fall into their element at bedtime; voices having gone soft, touches even more so, and sweet smiles which looked up at the two of you made your hearts feel like they were close to bursting.

Ascending to the top of the stairs meant that you were welcomed with the sound of gentle yet rapid chatter, Elle’s sweet voice coming from within the doorway of the bathroom as she continued to search through her basket of bath time toys to find her perfect selection. Luke dreaded to think how many she had already set aside, pushing them towards the white ceramic of the bathtub as she waited for you to come in and start filling the tub. He wondered if she had picked out her pink dolphin or if she had chosen her mermaid. He was sure he would find out soon enough, already anticipating the warm giggles he would, undoubtedly, hear echo through the hall.

With a parting kiss to your hairline, Luke let you go to attend to your eldest. He watched as you left his side, his arms still settled comfortably around a sleeping Kenzie, and disappeared through the wooden doorway. As he passed the bathroom door himself, he spotted the few toys that Elle had set out on the floor, many of them littering your feet where you stood. Bath time was never dull when it came to Elle.

Entering the nursery, Luke gently pushed the door open with his foot, catching it just before it swung too far, and carefully closed it behind him with a soft click once he was inside. His feet sunk into the soft carpet as he walked around the room, hands opening drawers without a second thought, fingers plucking a set of pyjamas from within them and gently tossing them to the changing table.

Taking a few small strides towards the window, Luke reached down, making sure he had a good hold of Kenzie still, and flicked the switch which turned on her nightlight. He watched as the warm gold colour began to shine upwards, painting the ceiling in soft shapes which somewhat resembled that of the stars in the night sky.

Luke’s body knew Kenzie’s bedtime routine better than anyone, it seemed to move completely of its own accord as he walked around the room and prepared the nursery for the night ahead. Without thinking, Luke remembered to turn on her nightlight, to find one of the few pacifiers that seemed to inhabit Kenzie’s crib and lay it next to where her head would be.

Luke’s movements were steady as he slowly attempted to lower Kenzie down on the changing table, a hand cradling the back of her small head, while a large hand splashed across the base of her back. He lowered her legs down first, careful to make sure she was against the soft plush cushion on the table instead of the cold wood. Carefully setting her bottom half down, Luke slowly moved his hand further up her back, lowering her down further.

The sweet noises Kenzie made went straight to his heart, as if Cupid, themself, were scoring a perfect bullseye with his arrow. Luke felt his heart clench with every noise that slept past Kenzie’s small lips, the sounds so soft and quiet that he swore he almost missed them. He knew that the separation would possibly upset, even risk waking her, but he hoped that with the warmth that danced around the room, she would remain asleep so he could get her tucked up in her crib without having her be unsettled.

Laying her head down came quite easy, the back of Luke’s hand gently resting against the patterned cushion of the changing table, remaining there for a moment extra as he looked down at his sleeping daughter. Her cheeks were slightly rosy from having laid against Luke for the past hour or so, the warmth of his body having radiated through his clothes and onto her skin. Running a thumb along the outside of Kenzie’s face, Luke smiled at the feeling of her skin against his own, watching the way her face slightly turned towards his touch.

Carefully and slowly, Luke began to retract his hand from beneath her head, the movement steady and delicate as he allowed for the back of her head to rest against the table, whispering a quiet “there we go, sweetheart” once his hand was free. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy — undressing the sleeping baby and attempting to dress her again. Kenzie was a heavy sleeper, and Luke was certain she could sleep through a lot of things, but this? Maybe not.

Nimble fingers began to unclip the buckles of Kenzie’s dungarees, carefully moving the straps so they lay against the table next to Kenzie’s head. Luke was careful to keep the noise and movements to a minimum, gentle hands being used to lift Kenzie’s bottom half up slightly as his thumb and index finger of one hand carefully pulled on the denim leg of her outfit, causing the fabric to slip off her leg so Luke could remove it. Once one leg was free, Luke moved onto the other, copying the same actions as done with the previous. Removing the fabric from Kenzie completely, Luke removed it from the table with one of his hands, gently lowering Kenzie down with the other, so she lay completely against the table once more. He placed the denim attire on the rocking chair not too far behind him, mentally reminding himself to toss it into the washing hamper, along with the rest of her clothes once he had put Kenzie down.

Next were her socks. Luke’s fingers grabbed a hold of the little white frill which decorated the edge of the item, the lace delicate and frail between his fingers much like Kenzie. Holding onto her leg with a gentle hold, Luke began to pull down the ribbed fabric, removing it from her foot and allowing for her little bean-sized toes to be exposed to the warm air in the bedroom. He made quick work of the other sock too, chuckling quietly to himself as she watched Kenzie move one of her legs, watching from the corner of his eye as he noticed the movement of her little toes, watching how they curled and wiggled once becoming free from the confinements of the socks she had worn that day.

He managed to carefully remove her t-shirt, slipping out an arm at a time before being able to stretch the collar just enough to slide it over her head without too much difficulty. Getting her pyjamas on wasn’t too hard when it came to it. Lifting Kenzie gently back up, holding her against his chest, Luke managed to straighten out her cloud themed pyjamas so he could lay her down on top of them. Using a gentle hold, he slipped both of her legs into the corresponding spaces, popping her little feet through the soft cuffs at the end. He laughed to himself as he attempted to get her arms into the sleeves, gently pulling the sleeves down over her wrists so her hands became free also.

Gently lifting the split edges of her pyjamas, Luke lay them against her chest, making sure each button was lined up with the hole he would have to pop it through to secure the fabric on Kenzie’s small frame. He heard soft noises begin to slip from her lips, little whines sounding as she lifted an arm in the air, a fragile hand coming to wipe at her face.

Luke brought his own hand up, curling his index finger as he brushed his knuckle against the apple of her cheek, pursing his lips as he began to hush her. His skin grazed her soft cheek, gently allowing for the sensation to tickle her lightly, mixing in with the quiet pushing of air that fell from his lips as they mixed to create a beautiful soothing commotion which he hoped Kenzie found settling.

“Shhh… that’s it, sweetheart…” Luke’s voice barely whispered, looking down at her with kind eyes as her face scrunched and head turned. He knew she was probably getting cold, having been undressed and left with her pyjamas open against her chest. Luke would fix that soon enough. “Nearly done, baby, and then we’ll get you tucked up in bed, yeah?”

Her whines slowly began to quieten, her lips pouting as she wriggled in place, slowly bringing her arm back down to rest beside her. She began to settle against his touch, a content hum sounding from within her throat that made Luke’s heart fly. The sound brought a warm smile to return to Luke’s face, one that was reserved for his girls, one that only they had the power to pull from him.

It amazed Luke how easy it was with them, how easy he found it to be so helplessly in love with two little girls who were all the best parts of him but more so of you. He loved watching them grow, watching them discover, it had become his favourite thing to witness. Being able to watch them from the very moment they entered the world to the moments that he lived with them now was the best gift he could ever have dreamed of.

At the end of the day this was what his life was destined to be — full of love and light.

Luke made nimble work of buttoning up Kenzie’s pyjamas, quietly counting each button as he successfully secured it through the corresponding slot. Upon securing the final button, Luke rested his thumbs against the collar of Kenzie’s soft clothing, index fingers stretching up and gently brushing against the supple skin of her cheeks. He smiled at how rosy they remained to be, chuckling quietly as he noticed her little lips, which were shaped like delicate petals, and as pretty as a magnolia in May, part slightly at the faint touch.

Behind the closed door, Luke could faintly hear the voices that belonged to the two other souls which inhabited the home, their sweet voices ringing in giggles and playful squeals that were muffled slightly by the wooden door. He could hear the faint splashing of water, followed by the soft sound of ‘Mumma, look!’. Luke wondered what Elle would be showing you, what had caused her voice to be laced with such eagerness that she demanded your attention in that moment. He wondered what her face looked like, if her smile was wide and infectious like it was known to be or if her eyes had gone wide as her hand pointed to her new discovery.

“It sounds like Elle’s having a lot of fun in there, huh?” Luke mumbled quietly, not quite sure if he was talking to himself or the sleeping baby in front of him, aware she was unable to answer even if she were awake. “I wonder how much water will be on the floor by the time she’s all clean.”

Bringing Kenzie back to his chest felt like a warm hug, Luke’s hands slipping beneath her body and head as he lifted her up, removing her from the changing table. He settled her gently against him, resting her so her chest lay peacefully against his, and her little feet fell against his stomach, her small toes grazing against the fabric of his jumper.

With a hand laid comfortably on her small back, thumb and pinkie curling around either side of her, Luke began to carry her across the room to her crib. Careful feet pressed against the plush carpet, heels and toes sinking into the soft fabric of the rug which decorated the centre of the room as he crossed it. He pressed a kiss to the side of her head as he walked, the touch so light that he barely felt it himself, wisps of her blonde tickling his nose as he leaned in.

Luke came to the edge of Kenzie’s crib, gently beginning to bring Kenzie away from his chest, hands carefully holding her as he began to lower her down, allowing for her body to connect with the soft, comfortable mattress in her crib. Luke continued to softly hush her, hearing her soft noises begin to increase once again at the loss of warmth she suffered when separated from him.

Luke grazed a knuckle against her cheek like he did before, continuing the soft hushing as he reached down for her blanket, pulling the familiar soft fabric upwards. He tucked it over her body, making sure her chest and shoulders were covered, as well as making sure her small feet were protected from the night air. Gentle fingers made sure she was tucked in, that she would stay warm throughout the night with the trusty blanket, a gift that she had slept with since the first night she was brought home.

“Sleep tight, sweetheart.” Luke bid her a warm goodnight.

Bringing his eyes back to her sweet face, Luke felt his heart fly once more. Her lips remained parted, cheeks rosy, and lashes fluttered delicately against her soft skin. Luke wondered how he ever got so lucky, how he had become so blessed to have a family like he did, to have you, to have his girls, to have everything that he could have ever wanted right in front of him.

At the end of the day, Luke had everything he needed. He had a family.

Moving just a few steps down the hallway, Luke was welcomed to the sound of the two voices which he heard previously. He followed the voices, a smile still on his face as they increased in volume with the closer he got to the familiar bedroom door that was left ajar. He peeked through the crack, feeling the warmth in his stomach strike like a warm fire upon seeing the sight that his eyes were welcomed with.

The two of you were tucked up in Elle’s bed, the four-year-old curled into your arms as you gently brushed her damp curls back with the tips of your fingers. She was tucked under the covers, the pink sheets brought up to her shoulders as her cheek became pressed against your chest. You tucked locks of golden hair behind her ears, fingertips brushing the small shell as you kissed the top of her head, listening to her small voice as she talked quietly.

Her words were sweet, little hands playing with the rings on your finger. You watched as she twisted them, the smooth band twirling along your finger as you listened to the words she was tiredly stringing together. The metal of the ring caught the light which cascaded over Elle’s bedroom, her bedside lamp emitting a soft glow across the room, the golden shine catching the ring.

Minutes seemed to pass as Elle continued to talk, her voice eventually slowing down, words being interrupted by yawns and her eyes slowly began to fall heavy. You felt the weight of her head grow too, her body moving closer to yours as she attempted to cuddle in further.

“I think it’s about time that a certain someone went to sleep, hm?” Luke chuckled from where he stood by the door, his smile spreading as he caught the two sets of eyes turning to look at him. “It’s past your bedtime, baby girl.”

Elle let out a childish whine, hands clenched into fists as she reached up and rubbed at her eyes, as if attempting to rid them of the tired ache which resided in them, a quiet “No it isn’t” coming out mixed with a yawn.

She knew it was past her bedtime, that you had allowed her to stay awake just that little while longer so Luke could say goodnight like you had promised. It amused the two of you how she could barely get through her feeble attempt to argue without letting a yawn slip amid her sentence.

Luke pushed himself off the doorframe, taking the few steps required to come to the side of Elle’s bed. Kneeling so he was balanced on the balls of his feet, he rested a hand on the edge of her mattress to keep himself steady. He watched as you readjusted Elle, kissing the top of her head as you lay her down, so her head was resting against her confetti-patterned pillow.

“I think your yawn says otherwise, sweetheart. It’s bedtime for you,” You pressed a kiss to her forehead, brushing your nose against hers. Her blue eyes were growing heavier with every minute, her hands grasping onto the underside of her duvet and she pulled it upwards, tucking it beneath her small chin as she began to snuggle in. She seemed to be cosy, her cheek pressed up against the clean sheets that were still warm from the dryer. “Now say goodnight to Dad and you’ll see him in the morning, okay?”

She gave a tired nod, her eyes barely open as she turned her head to look at Luke. Blue eyes met blue as she looked up, a sleepy smile on her face as he gave her a sweet smile reserved for her.

“I’ll see you in the morning, okay, baby?” Luke whispered to her, leaning in to press a goodnight kiss to her forehead, just next to the spot where you had left your own sweet touch. “I love you.”

“Love… Love you too, Dad.” She said through another tired yawn, earning a soft, warm laugh from Luke.

You both stayed by her bedside for a few extra minutes, your hand gently combing through her hair as she drifted off to sleep, while Luke’s voice gently hummed the same tune that it had since the day she was born. The tune never failed to send her to sleep, even as she grew older, the smile on her face remaining as she listened to the sweet lullaby that belonged to her and let it lull her into a peaceful slumber.

“Sweet dreams, sunshine.” Luke whispered as he hummed the final line of the song, pressing a soft kiss to Elle’s hairline, before he stood to his feet.

With gentle steps and quiet hands, the two of you left your eldest’s bedroom, closing the door behind you to prevent any unwelcome sound disturbing her throughout the night.

The house became quiet once the girls had been put to bed, the blissful silence which enveloped every room of the house became a sound that was almost strange to hear. It was a rare sound, one only reserved for the hours after their bedroom doors were closed and their minds were full of sweet, childish dreams.

Letting out a breath, you tilted your head back as you blindly looked at the ceiling, your tired eyes closing as you took in the silence for a moment. A pair of warm arms could be felt slipping around your waist, a head on your shoulder and a set of lips pressing a gentle kiss to the crook of your neck.

“I swear if I have to watch Lumpy find his Mum one more time this week…”

Luke pressed his mouth against your skin to muffle his laugh at your words, his chest vibrating against your back.

“You mean to tell me that you don’t enjoy watching the same movie three times in one day?” You could hear the sarcasm that laced his voice.

“Not particularly, but I do like to watch the girls when they watch it. That’s enough to get me through Lumpy’s word game song every time.” You rested your head back against his shoulder, eyes remaining closed. “I’ll watch a hundred times a day if I get to see Elle’s little face light up when she sees Lumpy for the first time.”

Luke let out a soft hum, pulling you close to his chest as he held you there, taking in the moment. He realised then that he hadn’t had a chance to hold you throughout the day, not having been given the chance to have a moment with you alone until the evening.

You were warm to hold, your skin soft against his, like you always were whenever he got the chance to have you in his arms. He was always at how perfectly you fit with him, how your body slotted perfectly in his hold like the piece of the finest jigsaw. Luke knew he would hold you like that for as long as he could if he could get away with it.

He had found a home in you and you had made a home with him.

And there was no better place to be at the end of the day.

---

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 3 years

Text

Don’t You Forget About Me

Calum’s been a dad for sixteen years now and it’s gotten easier in some regards. But it’s gotten a lot harder in other regards. When his eldest starts to push away from him, Calum realizes he’s got to make some choices for his family.

Dad!Cal, Gender-Neutral Reader (Non-binary parent described). Dad!sos (Luke, Michael, and Ashton).

CW: There’s like one (maybe two if you squint) steamy scene, but it like fades to black. So: Smut adjacent, so 18+ readers please!

Masterlist (on a semi-hiatus)

___________________

Calum gets the last of the bags into the trunk of the car when he feels his phone buzz from his coat pocket. He takes note to check it once he’s inside the car and before he heads home. Closing the trunk and returning the cart, Calum takes a small moment to glance up to the cloudy skies. A few rainy days have been predicted in the forecast and while Calum had planned on taking the family up to the beach house, a weekend at home isn’t a bad alternative.

His phone buzzes again and Calum digs out the device. I’m making no progress. I don’t know what else to say to them. I can’t lose Ro.

Roslyn, the eldest, was growing distant. Calum hadn’t been there to notice the beginning of it. But he did notice when he came home on a break between legs of the tour that Ro had done a 180. Once a child that couldn’t be pried away from him was now barely speaking to him. They spoke to you, which was a relief. But they still hadn’t opened up about what was bothering them.

It hurts. Calum’s flight got delayed several times over to the point he missed their opening night in the school’s play. He was there for every other showing and they said they understood, but Calum knew. The delay, no matter who’s fault it was, hurt them. Calum had promised to always be there no matter what. And Ro, who he couldn’t fault, believed them. Having a promise broken was no fun thing.

And there was you--in the middle trying to help Ro, get them to open up so maybe you could mediate. But Calum had told you time and time again that it was his mess to clean up. And he, again, couldn’t fault you for trying. Twenty years together and sixteen married with kids, there was always going to be a part of you that fought to keep your family and work through whatever issues arose.

I’m on my way home. Let them be. You won’t lose Ro. It’s just going to take some time. Did you sign Yvonne’s permission slip for them to turn in on Monday?

Signed and made double sure she put it in her backpack. INSIDE a folder so she can’t lose it.

Calum chuckles. Yvonne’s always had a little bit of trouble keeping track of things. Distracted sometimes because a lot is happening in her head, or at least that’s the way she’s described it to them. She’s still a good kid--decent grades though a lot of times they still get notes about Yvonne being chatty in class. A ball of compassion compressed into a ten year old as she’s proudly noted her passion in life is saving animals. The trip to the local animal rescue is right up her alley and it’s imperative to keep that permission safe for her.

We’ll have to double check Sunday afternoon, just to make sure. And the field trip is scheduled for next Saturday?

Yes, next Saturday and No doubt we’ll have to do a double check. The house has voted to order Chinese food for dinner. Do you want that or something different?

That’s fine with me. It’s the last text he sends before walking back to the truck and slipping into the driver seat. He reclines his head into the headrest, exhaling hard. Ro’s not six anymore. He can hug them and promise a solo trip to McDonalds for ice cream and the park for them to talk. He can’t snap his fingers to fix their moods anymore. But he wished he hadn’t hurt them--he wished the universe was kinder to him for his kid’s sake.

A small tear tracks down his cheek and he lets it track down his skin. It reminds him he’s human too, but a human with so much to fight for.

The house is alive, like usual, as he cracks open the door and pushes into it with a handful of grocery bags. Two sets of paws come clicking down the hallway to greet him and he greets each of the dogs. He’s careful of their wagging tails and bodies as he walks down the foyer into the kitchen, setting the bags down on the floor next to the fridge.

You stand against the counter, phone to your ear, with the menu in the other hand. “Yes, that’s all.” When you spot Calum, you smile and push up to press a kiss to his cheek. He slides a hand around your waist to still you. He can faintly hear the voice on the other end confirming the price and estimated time it’ll be ready to pick up. You thank them and then stretch up to kiss him properly.

“I’ll pick it up. I tried to order it before you’d be home. But Yvonne needed help with some math homework.”

Calum nods. “It’s alright. You sure you don’t want me to get it?”

“Hi Dad!” Yvonne exclaims, feet thundering down the stairs.

Calum turns to the sound, smiling at Yvonne. “Hi, sweetheart. Have a good day at school?”

She nods, reaching out for a hug and Calum happily obliges. He hoists her up, knowing these days won’t last much longer. But he hopes they last longer than he’s anticipating. He needs them to last longer. “I got a B on my Spanish quiz! But I swear the lights were going to drive me insane. There’s one in the classroom that’s been flickering for a few days and I don’t know when they’re going to fix it.”

“I’m sorry about the distraction. ButI’m glad you got a B.” Calum sets her down and Yvonne grabs a water from the fridge before jetting back up the stairs. Calum watches her go, to make sure if she goes to the study room the door stays open. Which it does. “I have a couple more bags to get, and then we can grab the food.”

“We?”

“Yeah, yeah, we. Sue me for wanting to spend time with my spouse.”

You laugh, rubbing at his back. “Alright, fine. We. I’ll let Ro know we’re stepping out to get dinner so they keep an ear out for Yvonne at least.” It’s with nods that you two separate. Though you do grab one of the grocery bags, noting it has the toilet paper and some hygiene products in it.

The stairs give a small creak as you climb up them. Yvonne sits at the table in the study room, feet dangling slightly as she reads over the papers in front of her. “Are you sure I have to do homework first?” she complains, noticing your shadow pass by the door.

“Yes! But I can sweeten the deal with a popsicle if you promise not to make a mess,” you return as you backtrack and lean against the door molding.

“When have I ever not made a mess?”

“Where are you at?”

“Halfway done with this first side of the worksheet for Earth Science.”

“Finish that first side and meet me in the kitchen for a mid-work break.”

“Sweet,” she grins before diving back into the work.

Ro’s door is shut mostly, but you still knock anyway. “Yeah?” they call out but don’t come to the door. You push it open a bit more to find the navy blue and gray bedspread rumbled at the foot of the bed. But they are sitting at the desk in the corner of their room. They smile a little at you. “Hey.”

“Hey. Dad and I are going to be leaving in twentyish minutes to pick up dinner. Are you okay to keep an eye out on Yvonne til we get back?”

They shrug, the gold chain Calum gave them clicking against the layers of other pieces of jewelry. Even though whatever is happening is going on, they still haven’t taken that off. Which is a good sign. “Yeah, it’s cool.”

You nod, looking down into the bag. And the words catch on your tongue but you remember Calum’s warning. It’s just going to take time. “Thanks, Ro.”

“Of course,” they give a nod and turn back to the computer before facing you again. “Also, can you help me with something?”

You nod, stepping further into the room. Is Ro going to finally tell you what’s going on? You try not to show that question and then watch them unlock their phone. You don’t watch too intently until they’re showing you a text message thread. “It’s from this girl--she just moved into town like a week ago. I-I don’t know how to respond.”

Girl trouble--not what you anticipated. But you understand. “I’m not going to read anything that’s going to scar me, am I?” you tease, gingerly holding onto the phone.

Ro laughs. “No, god no. You think I’d show my parent that kind of stuff?”

“Hey, I just have to check.”

They give you an explanation that because Ro agreed to work in the guidance office, they give tours of the school to students who transfer in after the orientation. This particular girl complimented Ro’s hair--an undercut they had to win you over on. Calum was more agreeable on it. And part of you was scared that if Ro didn’t like it, they’d be stuck growing that out for months with a very poor attitude about it. And it was less about shaving hair and more making sure Ro knew if they didn’t like it, growing it out would be a tedious process. But thank all the stars that they did like it, especially the star the barber cut into it.

The girl’s compliment sparked an interest, you gather, listening to Ro’s retelling and reading through the messages--they get a little flirty and it’s clear they both like each other. Though neither one’s admitted just yet. Until you get to the last message from the girl--Claire, you think is her name--asked what Ro was doing this weekend.

“I mean, the most obvious thing to do is respond with the truth. A weekend at home with your lame parents. But awesome sister.”

Ro scoffs. “You and Dad aren’t lame. Older, yeah. But not lame.” You nod, listening as they continue. “Besides, it was supposed to be a family weekend and I-” They go quiet. A sigh leaves their lips and they flop onto their bed, face up and bouncing for a second.

“Tell Claire--that’s her name, right?”

“Yes.”

“Tell Claire the truth and if something does come up as a result, then something comes up and you, me, and your Dad can talk about it then.”

“Are you sure?”

“Just text the girl back. You’ve left her on read for twenty minutes now. She’s probably having a heart attack.”

Ro takes their phone back with a tiny smile. “You’re sure?”

“I am as sure as I am your cennend.” You softly run a hand over the top of their head. “Your binder shipped, by the way. Should be here by Tuesday.”

Their grin breaks out even wider. “Can I wear it to school?”

“After we make sure it fits properly and that you’re comfortable in it and not definitely not during your P.E. block.”

Ro nods, eagerly. “I’ll break it in around the house.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Their fingers fly across the screen and you watch for a moment. This is the Ro you’re used to. Happy, laughing about something.

When you return downstairs, Calum’s put away a fourth of the grocery. You fall in a steady rhythm around him, working together to put up the last of it. Calum takes the dogs out as you grab your shoes. “Ro--we’re headed out now,” you call up the steps.

They pop their head over the railing giving you a thumbs up. “I will go down with the ship if need be.”

“Hmm, maybe save yourself and your sister. The house ain’t worth it.”

Yvonne pops out. “I didn’t get my popsicle!”

You wave her down, grabbing a grape one from the box and wrap a paper towel around it. “Stay in the kitchen until you’re done. If you make a mess, call for Ro, alright?”

“Who’s that I see with a grape icy pole?” Calum booms, but you can hear the smile in his voice.

“I was told I could have it by a parental unit,” Yvonne laughs, pointing at you.

“I did say she could have it as a mid-work break. But she has to eat it in the kitchen.”

“And I have to call Ro if I make a mess to help me clean it up.” You and Yvonne nod at each, the signature on the dotted line of your verbal agreement.

Calum grabs the keys and the two of you exit the house. You go take the keys from him, but he holds them out of reach. “What are you trying to do?” Calum almost always drives when it’s the two of you.

Ro didn’t say that you couldn’t tell Cal and normally you try to always make sure you have consent to pass along information like this. But if they do get asked on a date, you want to give Calum a heads up. Maybe it won’t fix what’s going between them, but you definitely don’t want it to get worse.

You need to drive because if you sit in the passenger seat, it’s going to eat you alive. Not that it hasn’t already. And you’ll see the weight of the confession on Calum’s face—something you’re doubly not prepared to witness. “Please just let me drive.”

And it’s the way your voice cracks in the plea that Calum nods, handing you the keys without a second that. He walks around to the passenger side door. Did Ro tell you something? And if so, how bad could it be to make you want to drive instead of him?

You readjust the seat a smidge, and when the car finally starts you immediately reach for the radio. “Okay, no, you need to talk to me,” Calum returns, turning the volume down but letting the radio stay on.

Down the driveway and out onto the street, you exhale. “Ro’s talking to a girl and I’m not sure if a date’s going to happen. But they both really like each other..”

“For this weekend?”

“I don’t know,” you answer honestly, braking at the stop sign at end of the neighborhood.

“But it’s--” Calum can’t let his own feelings hinder Ro. They’re their own person. But it still stings. That’s his baby and they’ll always be that, even if they hate him. But he doesn’t want Ro to hate him. “And what did you say?”

“I told them that if something happened as a result that the three of us would talk about it.”

It’s a valid response. But it still doesn’t completely take away the sting in Calum’s chest. It’s not that Ro’s growing up. That’s just par for the course as a parent. It’s that part of Calum can’t shake that Ro’s pushing away from him. As worried as you were that you were losing Ro. Calum can’t help but fear the same. And in some twisted way it was his fault, that he had an opportunity to take a behind the scenes approach in the music industry, but he couldn’t take it. And sure it would’ve meant being home more with his family but Calum still ached in some part for the road. Still ached to be on stage. And he hadn’t been able to shake it, not then, not before the damage happened. But maybe now was the last time, maybe now he needed to refocus back onto his family.

“Okay,” Calum says softly. Because that’s all there is to say.

“I’m sorry, Cal. I don’t know--I didn’t know what else to say.”

“No, it’s not you. It’s just they’re not young anymore and now it’s like balancing my own feelings against what’s best for them. It’s just hard.”

“I wish I knew what was wrong. I know they’re upset about the missed performance. But there’s something more.”

Calum stares out of the front window, watching other cars turning left, or following alongside you down the street. “We can’t interrogate it out of them,” he states.

And he’s right. You two can’t good cop bad cop Ro about it. But the wait’s horrible. All either one of you wanted to do was fix it. But until Ro opened up, there’s nothing to be done. Maybe if Ro went on the date, it would help. Maybe. But it still scared Calum that it would get to a point where the divide between them was just too large to overcome.

In front of the restaurant, you finally turn to Calum. He’s frozen, eyes partially widen and seemingly unfocused on anything in front of him. Gingerly, you take his hands, wrapping your fingers around his and squeezing lightly. “I have to do something,” he mutters. You can’t tell if it’s for you or more to himself, but it’s chant like prayer crossing his lips.

“We’ll-we’ll figure something out. We always do. They haven’t taken the necklace off. It’s a good sign.”

It’s a small nod, almost indiscernible, and Calum squeezes your fingers in return as well. “We will.”

You take a minute, waiting for the slightly glazed look to finally pass from Calum’s eyes. He blinks, turning to face you. “I’m okay.”

“Okay--I’ll go get the food. You just chill out here.”

“I’d rather go inside with you.”

“Whatever you’d like,” you return. Calum’s hand is warm as you thread fingers together and walk inside.

The owner greets the two of you by name, a testament to how often your family orders from here. You and Calum moved into the neighborhood when Ro was five, already planning to expand the family, but still before confirming Yvonne as an addition. Since the move, you made it a tradition to at least order from the place every couple of weeks. Over time, the previous owners would see you and Calum pulling up and as you stepped through the door they’d shout the total at you. Now the children of the previous owners have taken over and know you and Calum just as well.

“At this point, you two should take over as owners.”

“I highly doubt we could run it as well as you could,” you return, laughing at the tease. It’s only a few more minutes before your food is ready and you pay. Calum takes the bags before you can even put the card back into your wallet.

“My hands ain’t broke,” you tease, but make sure to hold the door open for him.

“And neither are mine.”

Inside the car, you turn to the passenger side seat. “What are you thinking?”

Truth be told, he’s not entirely sure what to think. “I’ve gotta try something. But I don’t want it to be materialistic, nor do I want them to feel like I’m only trying to make up to them because they’re angry.”

“Maybe--maybe you just need to tell them that you care. That you know they’re hurt and you’re willing to listen to them whenever they’re ready to talk so you two can actually work on a resolution. It’s how we’ve always done things and I think, given our two kids, we’ve done pretty damn good at actually listening to them and getting their input on how to reach a solution. I don’t know why we’d stop now.”

“Yeah, but how do I do that? They barely talk to me.”

“Maybe you just gotta say your peace and move on. I think Ro’s just working through a lot of difficult emotions right now. And it’s scary and it hurts to see them shut you out. But you can’t kick in that door. And I don’t want to make it worse, but if I gotta play ref for that conversation I’ll do it.”

“Thank you, love,” Calum whispers, leaning into you and kissing you softly. “Thank you for being there.”

“I meant what I said in my vows.”

The return back home is quiet, minus the soft whisper of the radio. Sure, Calum could make a big show, put his foot down. But that’s never worked with Ro before and it most definitely wouldn’t work now either. When they return home, Calum takes the food inside ahead of you. You don’t say anything, having already noticed the resolve that set his face like stone. You shut the door behind you and catch him heading up the stairs. Though you didn’t always rely on your religion all the time, you pray now in a soft whisper for the two of them--for your family.

The TV downstairs is on, and you spy Yvonne sitting criss crossed with both dogs surrounding her. You slip out of your shoes and walk behind the couch to kiss the top of her head. “Go get cleaned up before dinner please?”

“Can I get to the commercial break before I do that?”

“Yes. Thank you for asking.”

“Of course,” she replies, grinning up at you from below.

Calum pauses outside of Ro’s door. It’s halfway open, most likely opened in case Yvonne needed anything. From his vantage point, he can just make out Ro sitting at their desk, half their screen a video and the other an opened word document. He knocks on the door on his exhaled breath. “Ro?” he calls out softly.

They spin around in the chair. “Yes?”

No ‘Dad’ not even a full smile--Calum should’ve expected it. But it still swings like a hammer against his chest. He continues on though. “Can I get two minutes of your time? And you don’t have to respond. I just need to tell you something.”

Ro freezes for a moment. It hurts. He was supposed to be there. And they know it’s not his fault the flight got so far delayed. They know that. But that didn’t take away the sting. And Ro didn’t want to take the feelings out on him. They know it’s not right. He tried--he went to every show since the opening. He still cared even when they weren’t the nicest. And sure, it’s easy to say that’s what parents are supposed to do. But Ro’s friends didn’t have parents like theirs, didn’t have parents that wanted to have productive conversations and not some sort of dictatorship. But it fucking sucks because all Ro wants is their Dad. That’s all they’ve ever wanted. And when they were younger it was different. They could go on trips more easily and Ro didn’t feel like they were constantly choosing between friends and family. But now it feels like a fucking a choice and it’s easier to choose friends. It’s easier to keep being angry because it means they don’t have to choose again.

“Two minutes?” they verify.

Calum nods, stepping into the room. He points over to the beanbag in the corner. “Can I sit?”

“Yeah.”

Pulling the bean bag closer to them, Calum tries to suppress the grunt that falls from his lips to settle down low. “Jesus,” he huffs but settles down.

“Don’t hurt yourself now.”

And though the slight jab comes out a little hot, there’s a tiny smile on Ro’s face. And Calum could cry right then and there. Ro’s not gone--the sarcasm they learned from you still poking out from the surface. “I’ll try not to, boss.” A silence settles as Calum tries to gather the right words. And while he’s always had a habit of shutting down and wanting to retreat, you’ve broken part of that habit. And he certainly doesn’t want his kids to get that from him. It’s unproductive.

“I can’t assume your feelings and take that assumption as fact. But I can tell by some recent behaviors that you’re hurting. I know I apologized. And I know that doesn’t magically fix your feelings. But I can tell you it’s not fun to see you hurting and not knowing how to best go about reaching a resolution. I can tell you that I do want to fix it--whatever’s hurting you and especially if it was my absence on opening night.” Calum sniffles, trying to keep the tears as much as he can at bay. But also knowing that showing emotions isn't bad. He shouldn’t run away from them. Even if he wants to keep strong for his kids, sometimes it’s just hard. “I will listen to you, whenever you’re ready to talk. And I’m sorry, so fucking sorry that my choices and actions hurt you.”

Pinching his nose, Calum notices too, like you said, the necklace of hooking pinkies he gave Ro is still around their neck. With his clean hand, he holds up his pinkie. They did it all the time--promises not to tell you about ice cream before dinner, promises to take over the world, promises to save the world in all the imagined worlds Ro would create as a child, promises to stick it out with each other in blanket forts. And it’s a promise that Calum always meant and to do as much as within his control he’d do to keep them too.

Ro flicks their gaze up to the ceiling, eyes tearing up too. They believe him and he’s always done his best to listen and keep neutral and it’s not always easy, they’re sure. But he tried. They hook their pinkie around his with a nod. Right now it hurts to talk about. And yeah, it’s not a pleasant feeling to know that he was hurting because of their actions. But like they had always been told each action has a reaction, each choice has a consequence. At least they weren’t getting blamed--just an acknowledgement. Ro needed that kind of acknowledgment that others noticed they were hurting but didn’t want them to hurt in silence.

Yvonne’s thunderous ascension up the stairs echoes about them. Ro speaks in a whisper. “I believe you, Dad. I’ll talk when I’m ready.”

“That’s all I can ask for, kid. Dinner’s here. And if you feel like you can’t eat with us, I understand.”

Calum offers because maybe they both have a lot to process and forcing Ro to be at the dinner table could disrupt whatever progress they were making. Calum wants them at the dinner table but he’s not going to force them to be in an uncomfortable position. They have their own boundaries and he wants to respect them.

It’s with another not fully suppressed grunt and with a bit of dramatics that Calum gets up and Ro snickers a little. “Ay, alright, I get it. Pick on the old guy. You do punk jumps and see how well your knees hold up.”

Ro just shakes their head, biting down on their lip to hide the smile. “Not as bad as Uncle Mike though. So there’s that for you.”

“Damn straight.” Calum takes a couple steps towards the door and pauses. “You know I love you, right?”

“I know, Dad,” Ro answers.

“Good.” He exits, fully closing the door behind him. The stairs give a creak, undoubtedly as you ascend the stairs as well.

Yvonne rushes past him and your voice carries down behind her. “Your food’s at the bar countertop on a plate.”

Calum waits for you at the top of the second set of stairs, holding out a hand. You take in the tear tracks on his cheeks and the slightly red eyes. It’s silent as the two of you shuffle into the master bedroom and you shut the door quietly behind you. “They listened,” he starts softly. “But they might eat dinner in their room. I think that’s really all I can do right now.”

“Yeah, we’ll play it by ear. But thank fuck they were willing to listen. Do you want a cold compress? For the puffiness?”

“I got it. Head back to Yvonne. I’ll be down in a minute.”

For a moment you hesitate, hoping that he’s not shutting down. But you have to trust him. Cupping his cheeks, you kiss Calum gently. “Let me know if I can do anything.”

“I will.”

Calum watches you slip back out of the room. He settles onto the edge of the bed, hands covering his face as he exhales again. Calum underestimated parenthood--and maybe everyone did until they were in it. Maybe no one really understands what it means to be a parent until you’re dealing with your child in waters you thought you’d crossed before, or waters deeper than anyone anticipated. He wouldn’t trade this for anything else. Even though the gray hairs have multiplied faster than he can count them and though the house feels like a circus sometimes, there’s no other place he’d rather be at in his life. A happy spouse who’s just as willing as he is to do the hard work to raise their family and two children who were blooming into their own beings was a miracle to witness. But it was hard work.

Thunder rumbles overhead. The rain that wasn’t predicted until night time will surely be sweeping in soon. In the stillness of the room, Calum promises to himself to be kinder. Not that he didn’t think he wasn’t kind already, but just in general. He needed just as much grace as his kids did sometimes.

Someone descends the stairs--he’s not sure who but just as quickly as they head down they’re soon ascending back up. A door closes and Calum knows Ro decided to eat in their room. His chest aches just a little. But grace, but kindness, but allowing himself to feel the emotions and knowing that in the end it’s all going to be okay. It has to all be okay in the end, Calum thinks to himself on every inhaled breath.

It only feels like a few minutes that he’s been in the room. But when Calum walks down the stairs, he can see Yvonne already curled up on the couch with the dogs. Her dish in the sink and you sitting at the bar counter hardly touching your food. He grabs his food and moves onto the bar stool next to you, tucked at the end, near the wall. “You okay?” he asks.

You nod, glancing up. “Yeah, just not as hungry as I thought.”

Gently, he runs the back of his head over your forehead. But he doesn’t feel a fever. He doesn’t say anything else, just kisses your temple and turns back to his plate. The house feels eerily silent and you glance up to the stairs, wishing Ro would come down. But Calum gave them the offer not to and at this point, you’re not going to go back on his word. He did it for a reason, to respect boundaries.

The thunder gets a bit louder in the soft hum of the TV, with a quick flash brightening the skies. The dogs make a little noise, and soon they’ll need some more attention to keep calm during the storm. “I’ll clean the kitchen,” Calum volunteers after he finishes. “And I’ll put your leftovers in the fridge.”

You smile up at him. “Thanks. Should we make s’mores tomorrow? Let today just be a relaxing day?”

“We could.”

“Did I hear something about s’mores?” Yvonne pipes up.

“Later--you already got a popsicle before your dinner,” you call out in return.

“Ah, man, really?”

“Lovebug, later. Tomorrow, for sure”

“Okay,” she huffs, setting back down into the cushions. “I finished my Earth Science and Math homework, by the way.” Her voice carries even from below the top of the sofa.

You sigh, looking to Calum for refuge, a degree of solace. He snickers just a little as he scrubs at the plate. Her attempt to bribe for the s’mores doesn’t go unnoticed by him either. “Did you need me to repeat what I said?”

“No. You said later on the s’mores. Tomorrow for sure. I just need the record to show that I tried.”

“Record noted,” you chuckle. “Going to get the shirts for the dogs and some flashlights just in case.”

Calum nods at your statement. A few moments go by before a plate clinks against the counter next to his almost gone stack. Ro stays at the edge of the counter, fingers twirling at the jewellry. “I’m not going to blow my top over a dish, you know?” Calum says, plopping it into the sink.

“It still feels awkward, you know. Like when the stack is so low.”

“Hmm, I getcha.”

“I-I sorta got asked on a date.”

“A date?”

“Yeah. It’s for next weekend.”

The confession surprises Calum. He was sure Ro would ask for something for this weekend based on what you said. And he’s shocked that they’re telling him and not you. He’s not sure if it’s progress or not, but he does his best to keep his chill. “Do I or Cennend know this person?”

“She’s new in town. Her name’s Claire. Is it okay? To go? On the date?”

“Where is the date?”

“The downtown center--to the movies and frozen yogurt. And maybe the bookstore--she’s looking for this third installment in a series. And there’s a bookstore downtown that always has got books when you can’t find them anywhere else. The BlueCrab one, where we went and got those old school detective novels that I was reading over Christmas break?”

“I remember. You got your nose pierced in the tattoo and piercing shop in the same block.”

“How I convinced the two of you to let me get my nose pierced I’ll never know.”

“I didn’t tell you this. But the rebel streak is strong in both your parents. So we get it.”

“I didn’t tell you this,” Ro starts. “But I could tell.”

Calum smiles at the retort. “When is this date?”

“Saturday. The movie starts at 12:25 and is like two hours. But with the frozen yogurt and bookstore, we probably wouldn’t get done until like 5? And I know I don’t have my license yet. So either of you would have to drive me. So I wanted to make sure?”

The drain sucks down the soapy water and Calum wipes his hands clean. “Yvonne has a field trip that same day and I think your Cenn’s going with her. But I’m not entirely certain--”

“Dad, I don’t hate you. Let’s just start with that. I appreciate you giving me my space and letting me know you still care and that you do acknowledge and want to fix what’s happening. It just sucks, okay? It sucks that you have to go. Sometimes it feels like being angry is easier so I don’t have to choose between my family or my friends.” Tears have started and Calum hands them a tissue, but gives them some space to speak. “There’s so many emotions and so little of me, ya know?”

“I understand. Take your time.”

Taking a second to wipe under their nose, Ro continues. “The best way I can describe it is like--I want you here and I want you to be there like the stupidest and smallest fucking things, like going on my first date or like when I ace a really hard test. Or when I, I don’t know, do something stupid like climb a tree and fall out of it, breaking my arm. I want you there for every little thing. But I know it’s your job. So I don’t hate you. It’s just not easy. It’s okay that you drive me next weekend. It’s okay if you still want to call me kid, or whatever. It’s okay that I’m still your child. Because I want to be. I just don’t want you to leave me, okay? Just don’t leave and forget about me.”

Ro ends the speech by colliding into his chest and Calum’s quick to wrap them up tight. “Ro,” he croaks out. “I think about you every second I’m gone. I want to be here for everything too.” He’s not sure if the words can fix the feelings. He’s not sure how hard he hugs them is going to convince them that this family is his entire world. “I love you so fucking much,” he whispers to them. “I could never forget about you.”

______________

The winds no longer whistle outside the house. The storm caused the dogs a little anxiety but thankfully not a lot. And now, under the sheets, things feel relatively normal. Though Calum’s gone again. Something in his mind turning the gears over and over. Laying on your side, you just watch for a moment. You’re not entirely sure what happened, having to go into the garage to gather the flashlights, extra batteries, and a few candles just in case. But when you returned, Ro was crying into Calum’s chest and he was crying even in his best attempts to console them. But whatever happened, it was definitely a good thing.

“Can I ask what you’re thinking?” you ask softly.

“Our contract’s up for renewal after this album.” You nod, already aware of this information. “Michael’s been producing for a while and I’ve helped a few times. It’s been a successful endeavour. Maybe it’s time I took a backseat to this whole business. Gave someone else the limelight.”

“Is that what you want to do?”

For Calum to be honest, he needs to admit that no--it’s not entirely what he wants. However, Calum does want parts of it. He wants more control back of his life. He wants to stay relevant in the music world. The guys have all vaguely wondered if they could negotiate a little bit of time off for their families too, of which there is a sufficient amount. But not what they all really want. And maybe now’s the perfect time.

Calum lays on his side to face you, arm slinging over your waist. “I’m going to sleep on it. But I think, before it’s too late, I should be home more.”

“I’d like having you home more, for sure,” you tease.

Calum smiles, a small tuft of laughter escaping him. “Of course you would. Until we wind up with human baby three or somehow acquire fur baby three and then you will shun me.”

“I feel like a third pet could and would absolutely be either one of us just telling ourselves we’ll go down to the shelter just to look and then walking out with another Duke type situation.”

“Okay, yeah I can agree with that. I don’t know. Yvonne’s getting older. And before long Ro might be going off to college. I thought I wasn’t missing a lot. But maybe I am. Ro basically thought I was forgetting about them, that somehow my leaving was going to cause them to just puff--not exist to me anymore. And I-I don’t want them or Yvonne thinking that me leaving is somehow to escape them.”

“If your track record proves anything, Calum, is that you’ll do whatever you think is best. And I will be here by your side. I just don’t want to cut off a piece of yourself. They need their father. But they need him whole. I need my husband whole. No matter what you choose, make sure that it’s not at an alarming detriment to yourself.”

The grip tightens around you and Calum pulls you into his chest. The kiss is slow, but deep as you gently trace your fingertips down his back. You pull away first to kiss the tip of his nose. “I love you,” he whispers.

“I love you.”

“Tell me one good thing about your day,” he commands softly, noticing the fluttering of your eyelids.

“One good thing about work is that I was able to pass along a manuscript approval to be adopted into a series. And one good thing here, now, is that my family is still as solid as ever. And that’s all I could ever want.”

“Was it the one you were telling me about? The paranormal detective series with a love story subplot?”

“Hmm, no, that’s still on the table. It was one of Kyle’s picks. Steampunk adventure series.”

“Yours will be next. All the other ones you’d given a yes on have been huge successes.”

“Thank you, love.”

With two kisses, one to each of your closed eyelids, Calum settles back into the pillows. Though he’s the one with the notorious habit of falling asleep in three seconds flat, he keeps awake long enough to see you settle deeply into your slumber. Thankfully, the steady rise and fall of your chest and ribs under his arm is enough to send him to sleep right behind you as well.

More rain greets you all when you awaken the next morning. Calum’s head is on your chest and you’re not even sure when the two of you managed to get into this position but you let him lay for a moment. And in the silence, running your fingers through the turning gray strands of the curls on his head, you find enough peace to slip back into sleep. It’s not until you feel the bed dipping that you stir awake again. Some sun peeks out through the shades and Calum’s grabbing something from the bathroom before slipping through the door of the bedroom.

You figure he left to check on the dogs and sigh before turning to your back. “Those gears are still turning in that head of his.”

“I hear you talking about me,” Calum says upon his return.

“Those gears are smoking in that head of his.” You laugh when he walks to your side of the bed and lightly taps your thigh.

“You’ll regret that. And I’ll have you know, I went down to check on the dogs and see if Yvonne was awake. I think she stayed up late because she’s still out like a sack of hammers.”

As Calum settles back into bed, shrugging off his robe, you reach out for him. “Good, means you’re mine for now,” you return.

“Correction: I have always been yours.”

You settle onto his chest, enjoying the steady rhythm of his heart in your ears. “Hmm, you’re right. Ro told you about the date, correct?” You got informed later but weren’t sure if they told him or not.

“They did. I’m dropping them off and picking them up since you’ll be on the trip with Yvonne--right? You’re going on that trip?”

“I volunteered as a chaperone, yes. But Yvonne’s made sure that she is with her friends and not with me. So she’ll be running amuck on that poor farm.”

“We should go back and do the horse riding again.”

“That was fun. Beautiful to see the trees like that. But I really want to take them ATVing.”

“Do you think Yvonne’s old enough?”

“Yeah. C’mon they make some models small enough for six year olds. At nearly 11, she can get on one. If we wait until we go to my parents’ then I know for sure there’s one good enough size for her.”

“We’ll ask them.”

“Remember the first time you met my parents and we went riding and you--”

“Yeah, and I hit the mud spot. Not my most shining moment. But racing to the old general store was pretty fucking awesome.”

“Very illegal, because that was a highway we were on.”

“Not too worried about it, we didn’t get caught.”

“I’m glad. The sheriff at that time wasn’t too fond of my family. So that could’ve been bad for rockstar Calum Hood to wind up with a record over small town politics.”

Calum laughs a little. “Would’ve made me look badass though.”

“I think your management team at the time would’ve kicked my ass for getting you into trouble like that.”

“They could’ve tried.”

You sit up on your elbow. That was still early on in your relationship. Calum had been on tour and in a town not too far from where you grew up. When you told him that you had to go back home due to some emergency health concerns with your grandmother, he asked if he could stop by. Just to say hi and see you and if there was anything he could do to help. The band had a double show in the state and rather than leaving, they were up in a hotel. You and Calum hadn’t even said ‘I love you’ to each other. But something about the relationship felt right.

So, you drove to him the morning after a show and picked him up from a hotel. You drove the forty-five minutes back to your home town and spent most of the day around in the more vibrant and built up downtown, but by about midafternoon, you asked if he was comfortable meeting your parents since he was already in town. You disguised it as you and some cousins already having prior plans to go riding once everyone was in town to which your parents would be there since it was their ATVs you all would be riding. You got there a day earlier to visit your grandmother--she was holding on okay at that point. But more of your family was coming into town and you knew the more people showed up the more your mother would ask you to help with cooking and hosting. So you needed to seize your window with Calum.

You hadn’t expected him to be more than happy to meet them. Nor did you expect him to be eager to go riding. You figured he’d cite some excuse, needing to get back for rehearsals or some sort of meeting.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Calum asks, sitting up too.

“When you met my parents for the first time, it was about a week before my grandmother passed. We hadn’t even really put a label on us and you talking like you had planned on marrying me in that second.”

“Oh you’re so wrong. It was even before I left for the tour, like two days before or so. My mum called me, I swear like right, right before we were going to have sex. And I was going to ignore it. But you happened to see the contact name and made me fucking answer it. And you left the room! You went to the front of the old house with Duke and I could’ve sworn you were going to come back and check in a few minutes so I was trying to keep the conversation quick. But I spent forty-five minutes on the phone with my mom and you didn’t interrupt me once. And that’s when I knew.”

“It was your mom, of course you were going to answer it. I did put on the TV and the Food Network was on so I lost track of time if I’m honest.”

Calum giggles. “You did seem invested. And when I came back to the front, we finished an episode before going back to the bedroom. And I was like, if I can have a full on facetime conversation with my mom, watch a cooking show and still want to sleep with them, I’ve found the one. So yeah, even if the sheriff found us that evening and wanted to arrest the lot of us. Management was going to have hell to pay if they were going to try and blame you for it or do anything else to you. Because I was not going to lose you.”

“I did not know that.”

“I knew that us being together was going to change me and I wanted it to change me. I wanted to be different in that moment with you.”

“You sap,” you tease, quickly wiping under your eyes.

“You can call me whatever,” Calum starts, maneuvering you to settle on his waist. “As long as at the end of it I’m still your husband.”

“They’ll have to bury me before I stop saying that.”

_____________

Calum stands outside the closed bedroom door, keys dangling from his fingers. “Ro--we’re going to be late, if we don’t leave within the next two minutes.”

“I’m coming!” they return. Thankfully, you went through the outfits last night but now it seems Calum was going to get stuck with the need to perfect the hair. Though, they purposefully had the undercut lifted up higher on their last trip to the barber so they could still wear it down to hide it, but if they wore it up, it would be predominant. “Bun okay?”

Ro steps out and the bun’s up high enough to show off the undercut. But just a hair messy. “I think it pairs well with the outfit,” Calum returns. He’s learned not to say something just looks fine. That phrase in particular is bound to cause trouble.

“Do you have the money for the tickets and frozen yogurt?”

Ro pulls out their wallet from their pocket. “Yes.”

“Phone and keys? The ring with your mace?” They pat pockets and pull out each item to verify that they have them. Calum nods. “Onward, if you’re ready?”

“Ready. I think?”

Calum gently slings his arm around their shoulder. “That’s a sign that you’re ready.”

The drive is mostly silent. Even though Ro and Calum have reached an understanding it’s still a little awkward. Calum’s still unsure if he’s going to move into a behind the scene role or if he’s going to continue with making his own music. But at the very least, while they’re still recording the latest album Calum can make more choices to be home and be there for the small things. Like right now.

The silence is interrupted by Ro’s voice. “What if I make a fool of myself?”

“You’ve been talking to Claire for weeks now in school. I think you’re going to be okay.”

“Yeah, but that’s school. Not a date.”

“What does she like?”

“Dance, reading. Oh, she likes sea otters and I’m hoping the bookstore has bookmarks and maybe animal themed ones. She’s really into crochet--like she made this little top. It’s so cute it has sunflowers on it.”

“Ro, I don’t think you could make a fool of yourself. You’ve listened well to what she likes and you know what’s happening in her life. So I think if you continue that trend, you’ll be okay.”

They pull into a parking space of the movie theater and Ro turns to face him. “You mean that?”

“I mean it. Now let’s go. You’ve got a hot date to get to.”

“Dad--please do not.”

Calum nods. “Consider that noted.”

Even on the walk to the ticket booth, Calum spots a girl with her mother. He should’ve kept his glasses on, but he’s still not hugely fond of them unless necessary. They exchange parents’ names, though Ro and Claire have made sure each parent already had the other’s contact information. Calum tries not to smile at the little bit of awkward shuffle and dance Ro and Claire do before taking hands and getting into the line.

“Don’t you miss that stage?” Vanessa, Claire’ mom, jokes watching them too.

“As much as I want to say yes, I think I’m pretty glad to be past the awkwardness. I wasn’t always as smooth as I thought I was being. So I’m glad to be past that. But I will say, watching my kid be as awkward as I was is a relief. Means I’ve done something right,” Calum returns.

“I almost feel like I can’t leave. I’m more nervous than she is,” Vanessa confesses.

“My secret--there’s a music shop and a crystal shop nearby. I don’t think I’m leaving any time soon.”

“You into crystals?”

“My spouse is and I was given strict instructions on what to pick up. I just follow instructions. The music shop is where I can spend a few hours.”

“I originally had a similar plan. But our youngest is almost done with a field trip and my husband had an emergency at work so he can’t get them.”

“The trip to the local animal rescue?” Calum asks.

“Yeah, how’d you know?”

“Ro’s sister and my spouse went on that trip.”

Vanessa laughs just a little, more out of shock than amusement. “Small world. Well, it makes me feel a little bit better that you’ll be hanging around.”

“If anything goes array, I’ll scoop them up and let you know. No worries.”

“Thanks, Calum. Enjoy the music shop.”

“You’re welcome, Vanessa.”

He lets her head back to the car first and then catches one last look at Ro and Claire at the window, ordering tickets. He won’t leave his car parked in the spot. He’ll at least move it down further into the shopping center to hopefully conceal the fact that he’s been hanging around just in case they needed an emergency exit.

Just as he gets into the car, his phone rings. “I just dropped Ro off,” he answers, noticing your contact name lighting up his screen.

“Damn it. I wanted to give them a pep talk. But I got held up with lunch clean up.”

“You probably would’ve been better at the pep talk than me. But it’s kinda cute. Watching them--very much that first date nerves getting the best of both of them.”

“Did you meet Claire’s parents?”

“Her mom was there, Vanessa. Her dad had some sort of emergency at work. But there’s a younger sibling who, like I’m 99% sure, goes to the same school as Yvonne.”

“Huh, small world. We’ve got another hour here before the buses return. I want to be back by the time the movie ends.”

“Did you still want me to go to the crystal shop first then? I still have the list. But I thought it would take longer for the buses.”

“So did I. But if you get to it first, that’s fine. If not, then I can always go another time. Besides, I’m also trying to account for traffic. So I can’t even say for certain I’ll be back in time.”

“Well, I don’t want you to have to make a trip.”

“But do you think Ro really wants to see the entire family after their first date?”

“It would be the Hood way. But I’ll just go to the shop like we agreed. And if you get back earlier then maybe you, me and Yvonne can grab a couple slices of pizza for dinner. There’s a good pizzeria over here.”

“That means we’d have to eat the leftovers tomorrow if we do that.”

“Aye, aye captain.”

“Love you. See you soon.”

“Love you too.”

It’s not terribly hard to find everything you’ve requested in the crystal shop. And part of Calum likes being here, even if you’re not here to answer his fifty thousand question. But it does remind him of you--the way you’d burn candles or incense for very specific reasons and tucked little spell jars into the children’s backpacks. They didn’t always appreciate having to explain why they were there, but it was a small gesture that they appreciated.

Confident that he has everything, Calum checks out and starts towards the music shop a couple stores down. He doesn’t really need anything. He’s mostly here to waste time. The door chimes above head as Calum steps through. The young girl from the register greets him briefly before returning to the customer already preoccupying their attention. Calum knows he doesn’t need a damn thing out of here. And though he likes to tease you about all the things you get suckered into buying, he gets it. Sometimes, things just speak to you. He starts at the front, looking at the various parts--from reeds to picks. He has plenty of picks though. But out of habit, he takes a look. He wonders if he’d have time to go to the vintage store about a block down as well.

He probably would, but if he goes and Ro finds out, there might be hell to pay as it’s one of their favorite stores. So he’ll save it for later, another time--some other weekend or Calum’s pretty sure as the school year starts to wind down there will be some half days that he can scope both of them up from school to come back out.

Calum follows the side wall down to the back of the store. He passes cymbals and the banjo section of the wall before spotting the acoustic guitars. There are some pretty ones--one a deep blue with dark brown or maybe black accents. One’s a deep red that he nearly asks the associate to get down for him. But he stops, knowing that there’s no way to sneak it into the house. Not that it was physically impossible but more like he’d tell on himself because he’d just have to show you.

Much like the time he tried to surprise you with a bass. After months of teaching you, you became obsessed with them and wanted at least one that was yours. The obsession isn’t as strong as it once was, but it’s a nice feeling to share the love for the instrument. Calum spent weeks looking to see if he could commission one like the picture you found, a clear body with streaks of gold and other blue and purple jewel tones in it. It wasn’t until he ventured into a vintage shop about four months from your birthday, that he spotted a few guitars on the wall. It didn't necessarily shock him to find them here, but he had combed through so many stores that he was nearing his backup plan.

But there it was--not quite like the one you wanted. A bass with a beautiful blue burst in the middle with white on the edges. It was a beauty that Calum couldn't leave behind. So he bought it and he had a plan to hide it away but the closer and closer he got back to his house the more he itched to show it. So much so that night, during a FaceTime call, Calum showed you the instrument.

“But it’s a birthday present that I totally didn’t ruin by showing you now,” he warned.

And you laughed. Because of course he couldn't help himself. Of course, he was proud--so proud he just had to show it off. “I will pull my best surprised face. I promise.”

Yeah, Calum could not and would not let himself ask to see any new guitar because there was no way he’d be able to not tell you.

“Look for anything in particular?”

Calum turns to the voice and smiles. He hadn’t realized the previous customer had gone already. Maybe he really had been standing there for far too long. “No, just looking. Thank you though.”

“Of course. Let me know if you need any help.”

“Thanks again.”

Calum does end up buying one thing, extra strings. Not that he absolutely needs them, but he’s in the mindset of having extra or spare around just in case. By the time he does his browsing, it’s just in time for the movie to have been over for at least twenty minutes. So he makes sure not to venture too close to the yogurt shop or the bookstore. Instead he wanders down to the shoe store.

His phone rings right as he gets to the door, so he stops short and lingers outside as he answers. “Date update?”

“Love,” he laughs, “I haven’t got the slightest clue.”

“You’re still in the shopping center, right?”

“Yes, but I am purposefully avoiding the theater and bookstore. Because if Ro spots me, you’re going to have to ID me at the morgue. Do you want your dear old husband dead? And to have to bail out your eldest on a murder charge?”

“Not ideal.” In the background, Calum catches the distinct high pitch cacophony that must be the bus ride back. “We’re headed back now. I suspect traffic will be the death of me.”

“It won’t be that bad.”

“You’re right, the thing that’s going to kill me is the fact that our kids are growing up. What are we going to do?”

“Cherish what we can,” Calum returns leaning into the brick column, staring down into the direction of the theater. He thinks he sees Ro and Claire exiting the frozen yogurt shop and heading towards the bookstore. But he can’t be certain. One of them is wearing black pants and boots like Ro had on. But he curses his eyesight for going on him slowly.

“Shit, I should’ve gotten my glasses from the car,” he whispers, ducking his head. Any of his hats would give him away.

“Ro?”

“They’re a ways off, but I can’t see for sure.”

“How did we go from ducking our parents to being the parents to hiding from our own kids?”

“Ain’t life got a sense of humor.” He looks up again and the couple’s gone from his sight. He assumes they’ve gone inside the store. He keeps gaze for a moment or two longer for a moment he can almost imagine you here with him, undoubtedly tucked behind him but still peeking at as well. “How far are you into the drive back?”

“Ten, fifteen minutes. Still got a ways to go.”

“Looks like we can’t play spy together this time. But maybe next time. I rather need your eyes--better than mine.”

“That’s all you need of me? Just my eyes?”

Calum laughs, ducking his head again. “I’m not doing this knowing you’re a bus full of children. I will not be to blame for ruining them. But I will say there’s more that I need of you than just your eyes. A lot more than just your eyes.”

“It’s my personality, isn’t it?”

“I am hanging up now. I told you I wasn’t going to play this game.”

With an indignant huff, you grumble into the receiver. “You were a lot more fun when we were younger.”

“When we were younger, we didn’t have kids, nor were we surrounded by them at every turn. But just because I’m deciding not to play now doesn’t mean I won’t play later.”

“Oh, now that’s what I like to hear,” you laugh. “We’ll probably get back just as you pick up Ro. And please know I am putting heavy air quotes around pick up.”

“I know you are. If you don’t pass out on the couch before dinner, I’ll be sure to have a nice surprise for you in the room.”

“I am old and deserve naps.”

Calum’s laughter erupts from him, head throwing back with the sound just a little. “Have I told you I loved you today?”

“Once or twice.”

“Well, that is severely lacking. I ought to be ashamed of myself.”

“Whatever shall you do?”

“Hey, line.”

“I will back away from the line. I am backing away.” Then there’s silence between for a beat, then two. Just as the sound of the kids starts to carry their conversation, you speak up again. “I missed you today.”

“Who? Me?” Calum takes a step forward to allow a group of people to pass by. “Someone needs to check your temperature.”

“Oh I’m not sick. I just missed you. Ironic I know. I miss you when you’re the closest.”

“I think that’s just a sign of the times--you’ve had to get used to me leaving.”

“And I’m not saying this because I want to sway your decision--not at all. Just meant it more along the lines of, it’s funny how things happen.”

“I think it might be time to retire the horse anyway. I’ve had a good run, but I do miss being home. Miss my family.”

“You don’t have to decide now.”

It’ll be easier. If Calum decides now, it won’t nag him later. It won’t haunt him either. “If I drag my feet too much, I’ll never decide.”

You don’t want to keep asking him if he’s sure. You don’t doubt his decision, don’t doubt the choice he makes. You don’t want him to regret it. “You can still break out the old horse every once and a while.”

“Yeah, everyone once and a while.”

“Hi, Mr. Hood.”

You laugh just as Calum looks up to the voice. And there’s Ro and Claire arm in arm. “I am totally not here. But hi Claire. Seriously though, I’m actually not here. It’s a mirage. Of me shopping but it’s all an illusion.”

“Someone’s busted,” you sing in his ear.

“You are not helping,” he directs to you through the receiver.

“Call me back when you’re out of trouble.” You hang up first.

Calum takes a second—noticing Ro hasn’t actually given him a glare worthy of death. “Whoa, everything alright?”

“This guy kept following us in the bookstore,” Ro sighs. “I don’t know—we tried ignoring him but it just felt weird. So we left.”

The truth of the matter—Calums always feared this. He’s always known it could happen to Ro, no matter how the dress and it could happen to Yvonne too. And though he’s put them in self defense classes and done what he can, there’s still nothing quite like it happening.

“I’m here—alright. I know it’s lame or whatever. But I can play bodyguard,” Calum offers.

Ro laughs at his puffed out chest. “Sorry Dad but you’re not Kevin. But thanks.”

“Kevin?” Claire questions.

“One the guys that does security for my dad and his band,” Ro explains.

“Oh, yeah you did mention that. I forgot. Sorry.”

Calum watches Ro, gently tug on Claire’s hand. A soft grin lifting their cheeks. “No need to be sorry.”

God, he could just melt at the sight—overjoyed at Ro’s tenderness. The moment lingers just a beat before Calum speaks up, “Well, I can’t promise to be as intimidating as Kevin. But I can do whatever you two need me to do so you both feel safe.”

The two glance at each other and then notice it’s a shoe store that they’re standing in front of. Not exactly what they planned. “Just a browse?” Ro suggests.

“You already call my shoes grandma shoes, so I don’t want to hear anything,” Claire retorts.

Calum opens the door for them, but grins at the way they playfully bicker with each other. Ro mentions something about at least trying on a pair of boots like theirs. And Claire agrees, but the rest of it is lost as they venture deeper into the store. Calum’s browsing doesn’t even last all that long. He looks in passing but eventually on a bench near the store’s front window. He can see Ro and Claire in the back from this vantage point, but is far enough away to not be hovering.

Vanessa returns not too long after his text to her about the unfortunate run in and it’s not an easy goodbye for Ro or Claire. Though Calum suspects in no time flat, they’ll be texting each other again. “I’m a goner,” Ro admits quietly. They tuck themselves into Calum’s chest and he drapes an arm around their shoulder.

“Uncle Mike is holding a pool party in a couple weeks. You should invite Claire,” Calum suggests. He usually does it before school lets out as they all make plans to travel during the summer if they can to visit family.

“You sure it’s okay?”

“If you’re as much of a goner as I can see you are, Michael can fight me on it.”

“But two weeks is so long,” Ro complains. “I want to see her again.”

“School’s on Monday.”

“Ew to the school and learning part, but point taken about seeing Claire. We only share the same English class though and lunch period.”

“There will be plenty of opportunities, sweetheart. Plenty of them.”

“Thanks--for being there about that creep. I didn’t want to get into anything unless necessary and Claire’s not big on confrontation.”

“What else are Dads for?”

“Buying pizza slices?”

“Cennend’s gonna be pissed about the leftovers.”

“Did they get back with Yvonne yet?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Well what they don’t know won’t kill them, yeah?”

Calum laughs, letting Ro pull him through the door. “Yeah, but it might kill me.”

When Ro and Calum return home, there’s no sign of you or Yvonne. Though just as they get through the door, Calum hears the crunch of tires on the driveway. He turns to spot Yvonne passed out in the back seat. He walks back down and waits for you to park and unlock the doors before opening the back passenger side door.

“She partied hard with the animals,” you joke.

“I can see.” Calum’s quick to unbuckle her and the action only rouses her just a smidge, enough so that she wraps herself around Calum. “Date was a success minus a creep.”

“What happened?” you ask, grabbing your backpack and Yvonne’s bag too.

“They were in the bookstore and some guy followed them. They basically just decided to leave and that’s when they busted me in front of the shoe store.”

“Are they okay?”

“A little annoyed, but not terribly distressed,” Calum relays, stepping into the house as you keep the front door open.

“That blows still.”

Calum’s hum is a sound of agreement as he starts to ascend the stairs, Yvonne still clinging to him. You rest the bags next to the stairs, only for a temporary reprieve. You spot Ro stretched out across the couch and walk over to them after closing the door and locking it. With a gentle tap to the bottom of their foot, you grin. “So are you in love?”

“Please stop, Cennend,” they groan but you can see the smile growing.

You place the back of your hand on your forehand with a dramatic sigh. “Cenn, Claire’s favorite flower is a sunflower. Do you know any crystals that look like those? Cenn, should I get into crochet? Maybe knitting? Cenn, Claire’s allergic to seafood. So we can literally never eat it ever again.”

“I do not sound like that.”

“You’re right. You don’t sound exactly like that. But you did almost throw out your own crab legs. Which you wantedm a week ago because you found out Claire’s allergic.”

“Food allergies can be deadly.”

“Love, I adore you. But she wasn’t at the house.”

Ro groans, throwing an arm over their face. “I know! Okay. I know. I told Dad I was a goner. And he said I should invite her over to Uncle Mike’s pool party.”

“You should. If you want. But that’s the lot of your whole family here at least she has to meet.”

“You think Uncle Mike, Luke, and Ashton will scare her off?”

“I don’t think they will as much as the sheer number of cousins that will be over.” Michael and Luke only had three and two kids respectively. Ashton on the other hand had big plans holding the current lead for children at 5. One round of twins who were two years younger than Ro, two kids at 10 and 8, and another one at 6. It was sure to be a riot with all of them there. “And we’ll have to make sure Michael knows about her food allergies sooner rather than later so he doesn’t cook any that day.”

“I really like her, Cennend,” Ro confesses, sitting up and folding their legs beneath them.

You plop onto the couch in front of them. They fall forward, forehead resting on your thigh. “I see you do. And I’m very happy for you.”

“I’ll ask her if she wants to come over. But can you tell Uncle Mike now about her allergy.”

“You have my word.” You shake their shoulder gently to get them to sit up and hook their pinkie around yours.

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

“Also Claire says hi. And that she’s sorry she missed meeting you today.”

“Tell her we’ll make up for lost time if she attends the pool party.”

Ro stretches up after you as you push up from the couch to head upstairs. You smell like a farm and would rather not sit in the stench any longer than you already have to. “No baby photos.”

“Okay,” you return. “No baby photos.”

“I don’t like how you said that. What are you planning?”

“Nothing--you said no baby photos. I simply agreed.”

Ro sighs as you ascend. You remember it all, or at least for the most part. You remember all the embarrassing things. There’s no need for the no pictures rule because you can still tell the stories. Their phone buzzes--a message from Claire and the frown that was pulling down their cheeks turns into a smile.

My parents said yes I can join the pool party!

In the master bedroom, you sigh, a relief to be back in your own home, when you hear the bedroom door creak open behind you. But you don’t really turn to the sound as you head towards the attached bathroom. The water cascades down to the tile floors, the temperature starting to hit the sweet spot when you feel a presence behind you. “Is this later?” you ask, finally turning to face Calum.

His fingers settle around your waist, pulling you in for a kiss so soft you’re not sure it’s even a kiss. That is until he presses another one to your lips firmer this time. “Yes, it’s later,” he whispers against your lips.

In return you slip a hand under the t-shirt and trace your nails across his sides. “Good.” The two of you share another kiss, fingers gently tracing skin and muscle. His shirt goes first, and yours follows soon after. Chest to chest, you let yourself be consumed by the warmth of him. How he ran so warm you’ll never understand. But you revel in it at this moment as you share languid kisses with a bit of tongue.

Bottoms and under garments go next and without hardly a break in the kiss, Calum guides you towards the shower. “Don’t break a hip,” he teases.

“Don’t shatter a knee,” you return, but tug him inside as the steam billows out from the glass doors. Up against the tiles, with some of the water spraying the both of you, you take in the sight of his tattoos. “Do you know how much of a heartbreaker you are?”

His lips seal around your neck for a moment, but he finally breaks away long enough to answer. “Oh, love, is there something you want to tell me?”

“Not an actual one. Just your looks. Still give me damn butterflies. Like I’m fucking teenager.”

His chuckle is breathy and tickles your neck. He straightens up, cupping your cheeks. “You should see what you do to a room. I pale in comparison.”

You grip lightly at the hair at the nape of his neck, tugging him closer. And you swear that the salt and pepper will be the absolute death of you. “I’m a very lucky person to have you.”

“Then makes me the luckiest for you to choose me.”

“Just to lucky motherfuckers I guess.”

Calum laughs as he leans in to kiss you again. “Hell yeah we are.”

__________________

The sun’s not too high in the sky, but just overhead enough to make the concrete around Michael’s pool warm to the bottom of your feet. Water drops from the glasses in your hands, landing on your toes and you appreciate the feeling knowing in another half an hour or so the sun will be reaching its peak. You’re thankful for the shade brought on in part by the awning and umbrella you set up because you know you and sun usually get along but only in small doses. Calum smiles as you approach, taking one of the glasses from your hand and then pats the spot in front of him in the lounge chair.

You settle between his legs and recline into his chest, setting your drink on the side table. It settles with a soft clink. Most of the kids are in the pool. Ashton keeps close to his six year old and the older kids are playing in the middle with pool noodles. The eldest of the kids are sitting on the edge or floating on various animals. Ro opted for a bat and Claire stays close by them in her donut.

Michael’s been manning the music for now. Soon he and Calum will take over grilling duties as you man the DJ station for lunch. Luke’s happy to tend to the bar--an assortment of alcohol and juices. With a pile of water sitting on ice too--every household brought a package of the bottle water because they know it’s an all day affair.

“Look at the love birds,” Luke’s wife teases as she settles into the lounge chair next to you too.

It’s no secret you and Calum are the most physically affectionate in the group in private. Though you two have a line you don’t cross in public. But it’s not an uncommon sight for you to be drifting in circles close to each other, if not standing exactly next to each other. You just like to be close, knowing that both your social batteries can be short and it’s easier just to stick together. Others have described it like between the opposite ends of a magnet. No matter how far apart, they’ll always be drawn to each other.

“Tweet, tweet,” Calum jokes.

“I meant Ro and Claire, but yes, you two too, I guess.”

You laugh, a small snort escaping you. Though you don’t fault Calum. “We’re just setting an example.”

“I will never understand the way you two can be so calm about this. Luke almost had a heart attack when Bryce talked about a girl he liked. Just talked. Never mentioned a date or anything.”

“Oh I almost shit my pants,” Calum returns. “But it’s Ro’s life. They gotta live it for them. On their first date, I didn’t leave the shopping center. It was what--movies and frozen yogurt?” he addresses you.

“And the bookstore,” you add on.

“Yeah--I mean, Ro’s done something like that a thousand times with their friends. But I just--I had to be around at the very least.”

“So it’s a facade?” she laughs around a sip of her water.

“Partially, if I’m going to be honest.”

A moment’s silence falls around the three of you before she speaks back up, “When did they grow up? I swear it was just yesterday we were chasing them around in their little floaties.”

You hum at the notion. In some ways, it’s good that it’s happening faster than you can keep up with. That you had to take moments like this to step back and watch just how far you’ve come. Being in the thick of it, in the trenches, was always a hard time. But having a moment to think that you wanted more time meant that some of the good days had come into your life. That you managed to have more good days than bad ones. That was something you could be proud of. Something you could pat yourself on the back about.

“You can’t catch me!” You look to the left to see Ashton chasing after his littlest one, Cymelle. And it’s not quite a real chase, but she speeds past the three of you with all her might, wrapped in her towel and goggles pushed up on her head.

“A real cheetah on land,” Ashton laughs.

“Unlike her pops,” you chime in.

“You talking a lot sh-crap there,” he calls in return. “But I see you haven’t added any new babies into the Hood household.”

“Two’s enough.”

“Daddy, can I get juice?”

Ashton looks up to see Cymelle in Luke’s arm. “Water, sweetheart. You can get juice with lunch, okay?”

She pouts for a second but then Luke drops a tiny umbrella into the cup for her and she smiles. “I’m fancy!” she cheers, carefully taking the cup in both hands.

“The sight of Luke with a baby is almost enough for me to reconsider my position on no more kids,” his wife says. It’s to no one in particular. Just a thought said out loud. “But there’s no space. Between the studio, the office, and the playroom--I’m not looking to revamp any of those into another room for a child.”

“Did you finish those kitchen renovations yet?” Calum asks.

She shakes her head. “No, the new fridge that we ordered was backordered. And we knew that going in, which is why we did the counters, light fixtures, and backsplash first since it was going to take us longer to do that and then we could add the new appliances. But I didn’t anticipate the fridge taking this long. It does give us some space to clean out a corner in the garage for the old fridge. I don’t think we’re going to get rid of it.”

“Not until it croaks,” you laugh.

“Luke wants to toss it, but I keep telling him we can put it in the garage and when the kids are in the backyard. Rather than tracking all the way from the backdoor into the kitchen, they can just use that side door and get water or whatever from that second fridge.”

Ashton chuckles. “Such riveting conversation--man, getting old ain’t for the weak that’s for sure.”

“Not quite our old smoke sessions in my background,” Calum chimes in. “But I think we did alright, yeah?”

Ashton casts Calum a small smile. “Yeah we did alright for a couple guys unsure of everything in life, besides life was what we were living.”

They share a long glance and Ashton speaks up first. “I could use some help on a side project.”

“Mate, I am not helping you with your deck again. I refuse,” Calum laughs. That was hell. The first cut Ashton made in the planks was only measured once and way too short. The saw then died soon after and getting a new one took going to three different hardware stores. The second Ashton talks about doing any sort of home project Calum hides.

“No, no, I don’t mean a house project. I mean after this album--I got something else I want to work on. Need a producer I trust.”

Calum freezes underneath you and you turn to look up at him from the gap in your sunglasses and your face. The shock is clear as his mouth hangs open just slightly and his own brows raise above his sunnies as well. “Yeah, I mean-- of course, man.”

Ashton looks back out to the pool for a second. The kids have floated more towards the middle. Their laughter cuts above the fade out of one track into the other. He turns back to Calum. “I think, too, the road’s getting real rough to be on. So dabbling on the side would be nice.”

Calum didn’t think he was the only one getting tired of the road but still loving it. But he didn’t think others were thinking more seriously about settling down. The conversations always felt like they occurred in the future tense, in a “we’ll settle down for real eventually” sort of way. “We-we should talk to Luke and Michael though.”

“Of course, yeah. It’s just--it’s strange. I want to be home more, ya know. Want to tuck my kids in at night. And not that I didn’t want it before. But I want it more now than ever.”

Calum looks at Ro. They get tipped over with a shriek but pop back up to the surface in hardly a blink. “Jeremy--you’re dead,” they point out to one of Ashton’s twins. “And don’t think for a second I won’t murder you either Bryce.”

What happens if Ro needs Calum and he’s doing another late night in the studio with a project? What if he misses their graduation? He finds Yvonne sitting on the edge of the pool laughing with Anderson, Luke’s second, and with Shelby, Jasmine, and Kaden, Michael’s trio. What if he missed Yvonne’s first crush? Or something important to her? What would it all mean if Calum missed the important things for his family?

“No, I get you, Ashton,” he replies eventually. “I totally get you.”

“Maybe you’ll write that book of poetry too,” Ashton tacks on. “Shit, we could do a lot more with our time.”

Calum wasn’t ever really serious about the poetry, but it always intrigued him. So he kept it on the back burner, far enough out of reach that he didn’t feel committed to it, but close enough that if he wanted to do something about it he could. “Yeah, maybe.”

But more importantly, Calum would always be home for dinner. For a cuddle with the dogs and movie nights. He’d be there for prom’s and all sorts of school dances. He’d be there for more dates between Ro and Claire. And he’d be there to hover on Yvonne’s first date and he’d be there. As simple and un-eloquent as the thought really is--Calum could be here with his family.

The thought fills his chest with warmth and he squeezes at your waist. “Can that really be my life?” he whispers into your ear. “Could I really just be Dad to my kids?”

“You already are. But whatever you want, it can be real.”

“I want to be home. I want to watch them grow up while I still can.”

You attempt a shrug, but it’s hard with the tightening hold. “Then it’s yours. Watch them grow up.”

Michael steps through the backdoors, hollering as he does, “Who wants hot dogs?”

A cheer erupts from the kids and even Luke joins in, still holding Cymelle. Calum kisses your shoulder and the both of you stand from the lounge chair. You grab your lemonade ready to take over as DJ and Calum grabs his glass, water for now, to help Michael.

You stop him before Calum can get too far. He smiles as he looks at you. “Yes?”

“You’ve always been a good dad. Always. And you’ll always be a good one too to the kids. I know your job’s not easy because you have to be away and I know we’ve all had to adjust with this last tour. But I want you to hear it--you’re a good dad. They’ve never cared that you’re in a band. They’ve never cared about how many people fawned over you. Because to them you are only just Dad. So don’t beat yourself up for what you had to do to provide for us, and to make yourself happy. This is just a new chapter--not you making up for something.”

“Have I told you I loved you today yet?”

“Once or twice.”

Stepping into you, Calum cups your cheek with his free hand. “I’ll do my best not to think I’m making up for something. But I also think of this choice as doing what I can to do right by my children. I don’t want Yvonne to ever question me like Ro did. And I know Ro didn’t mean it maliciously. But I’m not going to make that same mistake twice. I want to be home. I want to be just Dad. For me. For them. For you.”

“I can get behind just Dad.”

With a chaste kiss, Calum slides his arm around your shoulders to bring you into a hug. “I love you,” he whispers into your hair.

“I love you,” you return in a whisper. It’s slightly muffled by his chest. Sliding your arm around your waist, the two of you cross the backyard towards your respective spots. Claire waves as you pass from the pool and you wiggle a few fingers at her in return in order to not drop the glass.

“Alright kids, I’m taking requests until however long the food takes,” you shout, turning the volume down just a hair so they can hear. They cheer and start shouting at you songs--some you know some you don’t. You open the notes app on the second laptop to keep track of them all.

“Can I help?” Claire asks. Ro walks on past the DJ set up and keeps going towards Calum and the grill

You nod at Claire’s quesiton. “Mind getting all their requests down? If Michael has it, I’ll shuffle them in.”

She nods, stepping to your right. “I can do that.”

“Thanks.” There’s a slight pause as Claire gets situated to take down names of songs and artists. “You enjoying yourself so far?” you ask.

“Yeah. Everyone’s really nice. Except Jeremy for tipping Ro.”

“Jeremy can be a hell raiser.”

“So like are these actually their cousins?”

You laugh, scratching lightly at the turntable as you transition into the first requested song. “No, Luke, Ashton, and Michael,” you point them each out as you name them, “are Calum’s bandmates and best friends. They’ve been through thick and thin and are like brothers. So all our kids call each other cousins and the other bandmates uncle. Calum’s family is overseas. Sister’s in Londonl. His parents are in Australia. My family’s here in the states, but not in California.”

“Oh, that makes a lot more sense! So the band’s been around for a long time, huh?”

“Yeah, a long time. The album to check out of there is Youngblood. But I didn’t tell you that. Was not me.”

Claire laughs. “Got it.”

“Doing any new crochet projects?”

“Okay,” Claire starts excitedly, facing you fully. “You cannot tell Ro. But I’m working on a little bat for them. It’ll be stuffed. And like I know it’s totally cliche. But I wasn’t sure what other animal to make.”

You smile. “I won’t say a word.”

“A bat is too cliche, right?”

“Oh, Claire, they’ll love it no matter what. Don’t worry.” You’re working to find the right point to transition to the next song, bobbing along to the beat.

“How-how do you do all of this?” she asks, waving over Michael’s set up.

You lower the volume on one song, slowly turning up the second one until it’s at the beat drop, letting the two meet seamlessly until the second song takes over fully. You then take the headphones off and hold them out to her. “Michael taught me many moons ago. And I think it’s fitting to pass along the tradition.”

“He won’t be mad?”

“Who? Michael?” She nods. “No, not in the slightest.” She finally takes the headphones, keeping one ear off, so she can hear your instructions at which knobs do what.

On the opposite side, Ro stands next to the grill, reaching for the beer in Calum’s hand. He gives it easily but warns, “A sip and this one is bitter.”

Ro takes a bigger sip, not quite believing the warning. “Oh, you were right,” they laugh, face scrunched up as they hand the bottle back to Calum. “How do you drink that?”

As his sip goes down, Calum makes a dramatic show of smacking his lips lightly. “Years of training,” he teases.

“I think you should’ve done the kebabs first. The marinade probably would’ve tasted good against the burgers too.”

“Kebabs smoke a lot. You want a little bit of chare, not a five course meal of it,” Calum returns.

“Okay, that’s fair,” Ro laughs, grabbing a pair of tongs and saving one hot dog from rolling too far away from the heat.

“You’re going to put me out of job,” Michael teases before asking to slip behind Ro. “Not that I’ll complain too much.”

Ro steps out of the way before speaking, “If you want, I’d definitely take over grilling duties.”

“I can help inside then. I think some sides need to be warmed up. If you’re chill with it? If not, I have no problem.”

Ro grins. “I’ll help on the grill.”

“Alright. Just let me know when you need anything.” Michael slips back out from behind them and jogs into the house. Calum hands over the second Kiss the Cook apron and Ro doesn't hesitate to put it on.

Calum studies the smoke for a moment. “Can I run something by you?”

“Yeah?”

“I can’t--I can’t break contract right now. But we will be re-negotiating soon. And what would you say if after this album, I didn’t renegotiate, like not under my own music, but producing for some other artists.”

Ro presses their pair of tongs together--the metal making a pointed clapping sound. “What do you mean? Like that’s your last album?”

Calum nods. “Yeah. It’s an idea that’s been floating around for a while and I think we’re all getting to a point where it might be a good time to take a break--a real one.”

“So you’d be home more?”

“I’d be back to huff and puff about you being up late and for movie nights.”

“I’d-I’d say that you should do what’s best. But I’d really like to have you home more for sure. But could you just tell your label, you’re done?”

“We’ve been working on this for a long time now. Two years at least. It’s been looming and I wanted to see how you feel. We might not technically get done until you almost graduate high school. But even still--I’d be home. Just like we’re making any other album. I’m on my way back to the house by 6 and I call if I’m going to be late. But then if you do go to college, I could help you move in. There might be a few months while I’m away, but then I’d be back for good and we could take road trips on your school breaks.”

It’s not the immediate sort of solution that Ro would’ve wanted. But they look back to the pool and see Yvonne sitting under the shade. And it would mean that for her, she’d get more time with their dad. And Ro and Calum could do the drive down the coast like they talked about when they get their license. And in some regards, Ro could see that he was listening. He was doing what he could to be home more.

“That’d be cool.”

Calum finishes turning off his section of hotdogs and looks up to see a smile on their face. “You mean that?”

“Yeah, like, I understand you can just say you're done right now and walk away. There’s still obligations you have. But to know soon you’d be home and be staying home a lot more, that’s a comforting thought.”

I’m sorry it’s not more immediate--really I am. But I will do what I can to make sure I am home more.”

“I can see it, Dad. Thanks--for listening.”

“Of course. Now don’t forget your flip. Charred, not burnt.”

“Right, right, right.” Ro snaps the tongs a few times to punctuate the sentence. “Now it’s my turn to listen.”

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hemmingslftv · 3 years

Text

Not in the same way

Word count: 3k Warning: angst, mention of abortion. Requested: no but requests are open! A/N: hi! It's been almost a year since I last posted on here but I've had this idea on my mind for a while now and I just needed to write it down so here it is. I wrote it real quick so I don't think it's one of my best works. Enjoy! and, as always, any feedback is appreciated. Masterlist

- C'mon! We're gonna be late for your own party! - Ashton shouted while you ran down the stairs of the house you both shared as fast as you could with your high heels.

- I'm ready! - you said and you gave him a quick peck on his cheek while he grabbed the keys to your car.

It was your 25th birthday and Ashton had planned the perfect party. He had rented a house just outside of LA and you both wanted to get there before everyone arrived so you could welcome them. At first, you weren't so excited about the idea because you loved to spend time with your friends but you didn't really enjoy crowded places. But Ashton had convinced you that you only turn 25 once and you should celebrate it.

You arrived right after Calum, who was the first one to get there. One by one all your friends and family got there and you had to admit it was exciting to share the same space with everyone and to know that they were there for you. As the afternoon went by, you all had a few drinks and ate while chatting to each other, there was a chilled environment and you loved it.

When it was around 10PM, Ashton decided it was time for his speech. You knew it was coming sooner or later, he loved to speak in front of people and you loved to listen to him express his love for you so openly.

- Baby, can you come here for a bit? - he asked after everyone was silent. You blushed, the shyness that characterized you coming to the surface.

- Is it really necessary? - you asked making everyone laugh (even though it was a genuine question). Ashton smiled at you softly and you protested silently and started walking towards him.

- Thank you, love - he whispered once you were close enough so that only you would listen.

- So, as everyone already knows - he started his speech - it's y/n's 25th birthday today, which means she's getting old, but don't tell her or she'll freak out - you punched him jokingly on his arm and giggled - and it also means it's the 5th birthday I get to spend with the love of my life - he looked at you and you could see his eyes full of love, making you feel the luckiest girl on the planet. You stared at each other for apparently too long because Luke had to clear his throat to tell him to continue.

- Sorry, I got lost on her, it happens quite often - he said earning a few "aws" from the crowd - So, as I was saying, I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend my life with - he turned to face you and took your hands on his.

- y/n, I know you think I'm too cheesy or sentimental sometimes, but I need to tell you how I feel because I need you to feel loved. You've gone through so much and I've come to realize you must be the strongest person on earth because you have made it out of every possible situation, and always keeping a smile on your face. You've made me the man I am today, you helped me get out of my addiction and you stuck by my side when I didn't deserve you to, but I desperately needed you to. I think we both helped each other to love ourselves and we can put ourselves first in this relationship and I think that's what has kept us strong for a little bit over 5 years now. We went through the saddest event of our life together - you knew he was referring to the abortion you had almost a year ago that nobody knew about except for you two and you couldn't help but shed a few tears. You could tell his eyes were teary too and after a short pause, he continued - but we worked past it and we got out of it together, and stronger than we were before. y/n, you are the love of my life, you are the woman I want to wake up next to every day, my whole heart belongs to you and I couldn't imagine a future without you so - he said while kneeling down, making you cover your mouth with your hands as you realized what was going on.

- Ashton please don't - you tried to say, but you weren't sure if the words had actually come out of your mouth or if they were loud enough for him to listen. You were panicking more than you ever had before and you wished he was able to see it in your eyes. He was always so good at reading you, but this time he didn't, he was too excited himself to notice how your whole body tensed as he continued.

- So, y/f/n, do you wanna marry me? - he asked with hope and happiness written all over his face. You were frozen, this was the last thing you were expecting from this party and you felt suddenly trapped in your own body, unable to move. After a couple of seconds, Ashton tilted his head, waiting for your answer and you could tell he was starting to get nervous. - I... y/n? do you want to marry me? - he insisted and you snapped back to yourself but to everyone's surprise, you turned around and started running towards your car.

You ran as fast as you could. Halfway there you stopped to remove your heels and even though your heart was pumping louder than it ever had before you could listen to your best friend shouting for you to wait for her. But you didn't. You kept running until you got to your car and drove away.

As soon as you got home you started packing a bag. You didn't even know where you were going but you were more than sure you weren't welcome here anymore. You expected to cry at some point but you didn't, all you felt was numb. Not even 10 minutes after you had arrived you had your bag ready and you were about to leave your room when you heard the door open. "Shit" you muttered to yourself.

- Do you want me to stay? - you heard Calum ask from outside the door.

- No, it's fine. I can take it from here.

- Okay, call me if you need anything - he said before you heard the door closing. You took a deep breath, grabbed the bag, and started walking towards the door.

- Are you leaving? - Ashton asked as he saw you enter the living room. His tone wasn't an angry one, as you had expected, he sounded just sad. You were too ashamed to even look at him but you thought that was the least you could do and you built up the courage to look him in the eye.

- I guess, I didn't think you'd want me to stay here

- What? Why not? I wouldn't have asked you to marry me if I wanted you to leave

- No, I know, but I mean, after what just happened. Not only did I reject you but I also run away leaving you all alone to deal with the mess I made and I did it in front of all our friends

- Please stay, we need to talk - he said getting closer to you and you dropped the bag to the floor while he held your hand guiding you through your house. Both of you sat on the kitchen table, the place where you always had your serious talks - I need you, to be honest with me, do you not love me anymore? Have you fallen out of love with me? Is there... - he looked down for a second and you could see his jaw and hands clench - is there someone else you've been seeing? I know you always try to protect me but I need to know, I promise I can handle it

- No, no, no, no, why would you? Well, I mean, I can see why you would think that but no, since the day I met you, there's never been anyone else. And of course, I still love you, I love you more and more every day.

- You love me, just not in the same way I do, right?

- I don't know what you mean

- You say you love me, and I believe you, but you don't love me enough to marry me, is that it? Am I getting it right?

- No, I - you tried to reply

- 'Cause I would give my life for you, do you hear me? I would literally die if it meant you were safe. I'd do anything for you. And to be completely honest, I thought we were on the same page.

- We are, I promise, I would die for you too, Ash. But I don't know, I didn't expect you to ask me to be your wife just then and there, out of nowhere.

- Well, I guess that's the point, it's supposed to be a surprise, you know?

- Yeah, I know, but people talk about it first!

- C'mon! We've talked about it. I've told you a million times I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you and all those times you agreed, how was I supposed to know you didn't want to marry me?

- It's not that I don't want to. I do want to wake up next to you every morning and I definitely want to grow old with you.

- What's it then? Why did you run?

- I'm not sure. I panicked. I could perfectly picture us together in 10 years, 20 or 40, and with all our kids and grandkids but I don't know, being your wife? That's a responsibility I doubt I am good enough for. How do you know you won't get tired of me? I mean, I'm great, but we both know I'm not the best you could have. You could literally marry any girl, and you chose me. And I guess I hadn't realized that until tonight and it was just too much for my brain to process at the same time. I'm sorry I ruined everything. See? That's what I mean, I am not perfect.

- I don't want perfect babe, I want you. And I will always want you. You would be the best wife ever, I just know it. You've been the best girlfriend all these years, it's not gonna change because we change the label.

- So you don't hate me?

- Of course not, I could never hate you. I get it, maybe I should have talked to you first, not ruining the surprise but making sure you had in mind it could happen soon.

- Yeah, that would have been great - you smiled slightly and relaxed when he smiled back at you. You thought you had ruined your relationship and you could now see that nothing could ruin what you both had, it was too strong.

- By the way, I think your father hates me, I left him quite angry but I didn't really have time to deal with that.

- Oh god, I'm so sorry - you both laughed for a bit, and then you asked - Ash?

- Hmm? - he mumbled looking at you.

- I do want to marry you - you were sure about your decision, you knew there wasn't anyone better for you than him and if he was just as convinced, why not take it a step further?

- Yeah, you do? - he said while he got up from his seat and you did the same - then let me try this again - he reached for the velvet box in the pocket of his jeans.

- You know what? - you said taking the box from his hand - let me try this time - You knelt just as he had done almost an hour ago and took a deep breath - Ashton Irwin, you light up my days, you are the reason I wake up every morning, the first and the last thought I have every day. Every moment I spend with you becomes my favorite one so far and I haven't really had time to prepare this speech and you know I'm not as good as you with words but I love you. I've never known anyone with a busier schedule than yours and you have made time for me every single day I needed it, and I think that shows how much you care for me, and I want you to know I care just as much. Every single feeling you have for me, I have for you, and I couldn't picture my life without you. Ashton Fletcher Irwin, do you want to marry me? - you said as a few tears slipped down your cheeks.

- Yes, of course, I wanna marry you! - he cheered holding your arms and helping you get up so he could kiss you.

- I don't have a ring but you do so, do you mind doing the honors? - you said opening the velvet box. He took the silver ring at slid it down your finger. It fit perfectly and it was the most precious ring you had ever seen.

- Do you like it? - he asked while kissing your cheeks and nose, cleaning the tears that still run down your face.

- I love it boo, it's perfect - you kissed him and the kiss heated up quickly but you took a step back as soon as his grip on your waist got a bit loose.

- What are you doing? I want you - he pouted.

- I know, I want you too but I need to tell you something before - you ran to your purse to get a little present you had planned on giving to Ashton at your birthday party. When you got back to the kitchen, he was already shirtless. You groaned at the view and bit your lower lip - I told you to wait - you said shaking your head so you could focus.

- I can't, you're too hot! - he giggled.

- I love you. Open this - you said handing him the small package. He knitted his brows together.

- I have no idea what this is - he said starting to open it.

- I know - you pressed the record button on your phone without him realizing and put the phone on the countertop so it recorded his reaction. You were excited for him to finally know what you had kept to yourself for almost 4 months now.

- It's a box! - he joked while he ripped out the paper it was wrapped in. As soon as he opened it you could see the tears building upon his eyes and they started running eagerly down his face as he held the tiny converse shoes that were inside the box - Are you? Please tell me you're not kidding me - you shook your head 'no', not able to contain your tears either - Oh my god! Are you okay?

- Yes, we're perfectly fine and healthy - you said while he hugged you and spun you around - I'm 4 months in.

- You're what? And you haven't told me? Babe, you don't have to keep doing things on your own, I'm here for you now.

- I know, I just didn't want to get your hopes up just in case, you know, I failed again

- Don't, please. It wasn't your fault, those horrible things just happen and they shouldn't, but they do, there was nothing you could have done better - he put his hand on your belly softly making you shiver - So that's why you haven't been drinking lately - you nodded.

- And that's why I wasn't in the mood for morning sex either. To be honest, I thought that was gonna give it away.

- Well, I had no clue, I thought it was just a phase. I can't believe we're gonna be parents babe, and you planned on leaving me with our creation inside you? - he teased.

- I hadn't thought about that! okay? I have the perfect excuse, it was the hormones - you laughed and removed his hand off your belly so you could pull your dress up - if you look closely you can clearly see them growing, I think it's showing already.

- Oh my god! It totally is! How have I not noticed this?

- You're not the greatest observer I guess

- Yeah, I'm definitely not. Did you go to the doctor's appointments all by yourself?

- No, Calum always came with me, he's the only one who I knew would keep the secret.

- Calum? Oh, so that's why he was so sure you weren't cheating.

- Did you seriously thought I was seeing someone else? - you asked kind of hurt.

- No, not really. I guess I was just trying to go through every possible situation in my head so that it wouldn't take me by surprise.

- I'm sorry Ash - you said cupping his face with your hands - I shouldn't have run. It's the last thing you deserve. You've done nothing but be there for me all these years.

- So have you, it's okay. Are you ready to share the news with the world? - he asked with a sparkle in his eyes.

- I guess so, I was gonna tell you in front of everyone at the party, now that the first trimester is over the chances of it going

- Shh, don't even think about it. It's gonna be okay - he assured you while he hugged you from behind - let me capture this moment - he got his phone out of his pocket and took a picture of his hand holding yours, with the wedding ring on it, on your belly - perfect - he whispered once he was happy with the result.

He posted it on Instagram with the caption "I couldn't have asked for a better mum for my children, including the one that's on the way. Love you forever y/n, your future husband".

#5sos #ashton irwin #5sos blurb #5sos angst #5sos fluff #5sos fic #dad!sos #ashton irwin blurb #ashton irwin fic #ashton irwin angst #ashton irwin fluff #ashton irwin fanfic #5sos fanfic

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