thinkingaboutbetterdays

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

the boss's wife. ( d.b. russell x reader )

After getting married during your second year at college, you liked to believe you knew your husband more than he knew himself. Whenever he had doubts during cases, or questioned his dedication to his family, you were always there to remind him of the achievements he has made both personally and as a CSI, and how proud you were of him, even if you did worry that he stretched himself a little thin. But that was who Diebenkorn, affectionally called D.B, was to everyone - the person who looked after everyone else without concern for himself.

From experience, you knew that, despite his assurance that he would have dinner, he would become absorbed in the case and forget. One of the perks of moving to Las Vegas was you were closer to the lab than you had been in Seattle, so you decided to surprise the new night shift manager with dinner.

D.B. was surprised when Henry announced that his wife had arrived at the lab, and he could see the immediate intrigue on his team's faces as he stood up from the table where they had spent over an hour reviewing the evidence for what had proved to become a difficult case.

D.B. walked down the hallway to meet you and a smile formed on his lips when he saw the trays of lasagne you had made.

You greeted him with a smile, "I thought I'd bring you all something. I doubt any of you have eaten much today."

"You didn't have to do all this." He took the trays and lowered them before holding them higher again. "Oof, how much did you make?"

"Too much probably." You smiled when he kissed your cheek.

"Are they watching?"

You glanced over at the room he had exited from and hummed as he stepped back. "Come on, I'll introduce you before their heads explode." He nodded to the room and turned, smiling at you as you walked alongside him down the hallway. "So, how is your day goin'?"

"I finally unpacked the photographs. We have officially moved in."

"I thought we moved in a week ago?"

"Yeah, but it's not a home until everything is unpacked and has a place in the house."

D.B. shook his head with a smile, holding the trays higher as he entered the room. "We have food." He set the trays in the middle of the table and stood next to you, placing a hand on your back. "Provided by my lovely, thoughtful, and very, very patient wife. Y/N, this is Catherine, Nick, Greg, Sara, and Morgan."

"Thank you! You are a lifesaver!" Catherine grinned.

"Happy to." You smiled before looking at your husband when he spoke.

"Come on, I'll walk you back to your car."

You knew he would be grilled on you when he returned, so after saying goodbye, you both walked slowly, enjoying a moment alone. "They seem nice."

"Yeah, they're a good team."

You looked up at him as you looped your arm with his, "Tough case?"

He nodded, sighing, "Someone went to a lot of effort to make it look like an open and shut case. They left the crime scene too clean."

You rubbed his arm comfortingly, "They always mess up. You just need to find it. Remember that guy that cleaned a mirror with his own breath and left behind saliva?" A giggle left your lips, "That still cracks me up."

He put his arm around you as you walked, smiling down at you when you leaned into him. You turned when he suddenly stopped walking and your eyebrows furrowed when you saw his expression.

"What?"

A grin formed on his lips, "I love you," He cupped your cheeks and kissed your forehead. "Call me when you get home safe."

"I love you too but -" You watched as he rushed back into the lab and realized he was suddenly struck with inspiration and shook your head fondly, getting into your car, knowing when he got home you would hear all about it.

#d.b. russell #d.b. russell x reader #csi crime scene investigation

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

the stress of the job. ( john keenan x reader )

gif belongs to me

You believed that his job wouldn't have created such a void in your relationship if he confided in you. John disagreed. Instead, he let the horror sights of the day replay through his mind over and over again while he receded into his thoughts - a dark place he didn't want you to go. He thought he was protecting you in some way, but it only made you feel like he couldn't trust you.

You were getting ready to have dinner with your mother when he knocked on the door. You sighed as you clasped your necklace around your neck and opened the door. You were aware of the Scotsman's gaze as you walked away, returning to the mirror in the living room, knowing he would follow.

It had been a long two weeks since you decided to hit pause on your relationship with John. He hadn't expected it to be really over, as a little over a year ago you had said the same thing "I need time to think about what I want" and he had promised to be more forthcoming with his emotions which was difficult for him due to his past. So he spent more time at work (something he didn't know was possible) and you were frustrated when he called to tell you he couldn't drop by to pick up his things. He knew he was stalling and that you wouldn't wait forever.

When you asked him to collect his stuff from your flat, it turned into a week filled with arguing. You kept putting off plans to allow John time to collect his stuff from your house, and he always had some reason for not showing up. He spent more time at work (something he didn't know was possible) and you were frustrated when he called to tell you he couldn't drop by to pick up his things. He knew he was stalling and that you wouldn't wait forever - proven when you stopped by to confront him. The expression you wore terrified him. He wasn't ready to let go.

"Have you got a date or something?" He asked, entering the living room.

"Or something." You replied, pausing to apply lipstick, and turning to him when you were done. "My mother is in town."

"How is she?" He was genuinely concerned knowing how ill she had been recently, affected deeply by the death of your father.

"The same." You sighed, "But I've invited her to stay for a while." You walked to the sofa and sat down as you slid into your heels. "She's bringing her own sheets and towels." 

John chuckled, having met her once before when she was staying the weekend at your flat with your father. "Well, I'll grab my things and get out of your way." 

"I think I packed everything." You followed him to the hallway, watching as he found the bags waiting for him. 

"You think?" He echoed, looking over at you. "Does that mean you stole a shirt or two?" There was a slight smirk on his lips as he knew from experience that it wasn't odd for a shirt or two to go missing from his flat and appear in yours.

"No."

He raised an eyebrow and walked to the dresser, but you caught up to him, tripping over your heel. John grabbed your arms, steadying you against the dresser and you immediately noticed the lack of distance between you.

"That's what I thought."

You playfully rolled your eyes, a smile on your lips. "Is that how you passed your Inspector's exam? Borrowed property?"

"Borrowed implies that you'll give it back. Stolen is more like it."

You pushed his chest gently, giggling when instead of letting go, brought you closer as he smiled. "I wish you could let me in." You lowered your voice to a whisper.

A sigh left his lips. It was the same old argument. "I try to leave work at the door."

"But you don't, John. You just bottle it up. I won't even say anything. Just listen. That's all I want. To know you trust me enough to let me in, instead of keeping me locked out."

He shook his head, stepping back and you watched as he sat on the foot of the bed. "I keep getting it wrong." You frowned when he continued. "I was a crappy husband and now I'm making a mess of this."

You sighed as you sat beside him, "You're the greatest man I know." You spoke softly, "I know you're one of the best coppers out there. And I can handle the long hours. But I just want you to talk to me."

"You really want to know?"

You nodded, looking at your hands. "That's all I ever wanted."

He looked at you then, eyebrows furrowing slightly as his eyes danced between your hands and your face, trying to figure out if you were providing the key to the door he had been waiting to open - the key that unlocked the door to fix your relationship.

He sighed and you believed he wasn't going to confide in you. But when he started telling you about Russell Bennett you met his gaze and listened as he talked about his horrific crimes and how he had evaded arrest due to his mother providing him with a false alibi. Last night, however, they made an arrest and he had spent the whole afternoon interviewing him.

He talked about his new DS and you smiled softly as he started telling you about people on his team and listened as you said you would. He was always the one looking after everyone else, but he hadn't realised how badly he needed someone to rely on. You placed a hand on his cheek, turning his head and cut off his complaints about the poor-tasting coffee with a kiss. He brought you closer and deepened the kiss for a moment before pulling away.

His eyes searched yours for the answer as he waited for you to speak first.

"Thank you."

"What for?"

"Trusting me."

He shook his head, keeping his voice low to avoid breaking the moment. "I always trusted you. I was just trying to protect you. The work I do...it's one horror show after another. I know how it affects a person."

"It's also a lot to shoulder alone." You whispered.

"Does this mean we can try again?"

"As long as you don't push me away again." You bit your lower lip nervously, silently pleading for him to uphold his promise this time - to continue confiding in you.

John was silent for a moment and you feared he wouldn't agree. But when he nodded, all the tension left your body as he slowly smiled. "Okay."

You smiled brightly as he murmured 'come here' and pulled you into a passionate kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck as he turned, hovering over you as he laid you back on the bed.

You pulled away after a few moments, placing a hand on his chest as he met your gaze. "I love you."

A smile softened his features, "I love you too."

You placed a hand on his cheek as he bowed his head, smiling as your lips met. You knew it would take time, but you were hopeful for the future knowing he would finally confide in you. He dealt with the worst of humanity in his line of work, and he would shelter you from some of it, but rather than recede into his mind he would talk to you about his day and you would listen as he got it all off his chest.

In time John realized why you wanted to hear about his work, to stop it dragging him down and he felt the benefits after a little while. Jokingly calling it 'free therapy'. A routine quickly formed when he returned to your flat - later the house shared. You would bring him a drink and join him on the sofa. He would place his arm around you and kiss your head when you rested it on his shoulder, your hand on his chest. And you swore you felt the tension leave his body the more he opened up about his day - the villains he encountered or ranting about Luke.

He had spent so long trying to shoulder the burden of his work alone, believing the demons were better kept inside of him. It took almost losing you to make him realize that there was another way - a better way. And your understanding of his dedication, of his job, and the stress that came with it, something his ex-wife was never capable of, was what he believed made your relationship so successful. 

John never thought he would get married again, but when he saw you walk towards him in a gown he knew this was always supposed to happen - you two were always meant to end up here. As husband and wife. 

#john keenan #john keenan x reader #holby blue

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

Holby Blue

John Keenan

╼ the stress of the job.

#holby blue #john keenan

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

rough patch. ( nick rowan x reader )

gif belongs to me

When you arrived in Aidensfield, you were determined to prove that you were great at your job since your boss was reluctant at first, wondering what a woman could do to benefit the workplace. Nick knew that you could do anything you set your mind to, and for over a month, he kept quiet about the way your clashing schedules were affecting your marriage. Every marriage went through a rough patch and after three blissful years, you were going through it.

He would never ask you to give up working, knowing how bored you got in the house very early in your relationship when you started crocheting and knitting, making everything from pillows to tea cozies to blankets. It got to the point when he came home to find bundles of new creations and cupcakes and brownies you had baked.

Nick understood how much you had sacrificed to support him as his wife and his career as a policeman. You had left your family behind, a good paying respectable job, and traded it for a life in a village that hadn't been welcoming at first and struggled to find a job that matched your skills.

Now that you have, you were taking everything your boss threw your way. Extra paperwork? No problem. Extra hours? Of course.

However, the past week and a half had proved difficult for your marriage as you never had time to have breakfast together anymore, never spoke during the day, and Nick had dinner hours before you came home.

"It's good money." You told him.

"Yeah, but we don't see each other much as it is." He argued.

You sighed, looking at your cup of tea. You glanced at the clock and finished your tea, standing up. "I'd better get going." You took your cup to the sink and returned, placing your hand on his shoulder as you kissed his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too."

You squeezed his shoulder as you headed to the doorway, looking back at your husband of three years, a frown on your lips, knowing he was right. You still felt your boss didn't respect you, but you knew Nick always would.

So you approached your boss later that day, and when you asked for time off, he began his speech about how he "should never have taken a woman onboard" and how a "women's place is in the home". You had heard it all before, but tonight, you were desperate to return before your husband and surprise him.

"I work harder than anyone else in this office. I did everything you asked. I have never taken a holiday in six months. There is one thing more important than this job Mr. Spence, and it's my husband. So I am leaving with everyone else, as I am paid for."

"If you walk out now, don't bother coming back!" He stood up, putting his hands on the desk.

"Fine. Goodnight., Mr. Spence."

You walked out of his office and went outside to your car. When you arrived at the police house, you started cooking dinner, and Nick arrived forty minutes later to find you setting the table.

"Hello, love." He greeted with a smile. "What are you doing here so early?"

"I spoke to my boss about sticking to what should be my normal hours."

"Oh, yeah? What did he say?"

"He fired me." You went to the oven to take out the vegetables, setting the glass dish on the table.

"He fired you?"

You sent him a small smile, "I'm okay with it, really. I realized that it didn't matter what I do, he would always find some way to belittle me. And I can find something a little closer to home."

You went to the stove and dished out the meat and potatoes before setting the plates on the table. Nick sat down, observing as you brought over two glasses of water.

"You're really okay with this? I could have a chat with him, if you want me to."

You shook your head, "No, that won't be necessary." You shrugged your shoulders, "Besides I hated every second of working there." You set the two glasses on the table and wrapped your arms around his neck. "It means you'll be seeing much more of me."

Nick placed a hand on your arm, turning his head to meet your gaze, "I like the sound of that."

You smiled softly, leaning in to kiss him tenderly. "Me too."

Every marriage went through a rough patch, but you knew you and Nick would survive it.

#nick rowan #nick rowan x reader #heartbeat

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

Heartbeat

Nick Rowan

╼ rough patch.

#heartbeat #nick rowan

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

avenging angel. ( harry gittes x reader )

gif belongs to me

Harry had many memories at Cheers. Whether it was swindling the patrons out of cash, or Sam throwing him out because he was cheating his customers out of money - and him also - Harry had made a name for himself there. Those were treasured memories, but nothing could beat the night he met you.

This is why when Sam called and asked for his help to get revenge on Gary after a devastating loss on St Patrick's Day, it led to an embarrassing night where he and four others (Norm, Paul, Woody, and Cliff) sang naked in front of an overflowing crowd at the Olde Town Tavern, Harry made the group believe he would not provide his services, but one thought of you and he changed his mind.

Sam was stunned when he saw the bulldozer demolish Gary's bar and after a conversation he had with Carla he believed she was behind it. Then Gary arrived to brag about an offer he had received from a commercial developer who planned to build a shopping center in exchange for a million bucks.

"Sam, I hope you don't mind, but since I don't have a bar anymore I invited the developer over here to, you know, help me celebrate." Gary opened the door and Sam's jaw hit the floor when Harry strolled in. "Sam, I'd like you to meet your new neighbor. Rutherford Cunningham."

"It's a nice place you have here." Harry held his hand out for Sam to shake, "Nice to meet you. Sam, is it?"

Sam shook his hand, going along with the ruse, although he was unable to do more than nod.

"A bottle of your finest champagne," Gary ordered.

As he followed Harry to the bar, Woody informed him that he had a phone call from the bank. Gary asked Sam to use his office phone and Sam easily agreed, though still confused by the turn of events.

"Banks not used to million-dollar deposits." Gary laughed, closing the door behind him.

Harry went behind the bar, "Sam! Good to see you again. Now what's that I heard about 'finest champagne'?" Harry went to an undercounter fridge and took out a bottle of champagne.

"Did you do this? Did you destroy his bar?" Sam questioned.

Harry shook his head, "No I didn't. Gary did." He explained as he began to remove the gold foil around the bottle. "He's the one who hired the bulldozer. Me? I'm just an interested land developer whose gonna come up a little short on funds. Say about a million bucks short." He popped the cork off the bottle and took a drink.

"I have the same problem with decimal points." Woody pipped up.

Suddenly Gary's scream could be heard from inside the office.

"Excuse me, I believe that's the sound of my check bouncing." Harry pointed over his shoulder at the office before ducking behind the bar.

Gary left the office and looked around the bar. "Mr Cunningham?" He walked around, heading closer to the door. "Uh, where is Mr Cunningham?"

Sam turned to reply, "Uh, he left." He pointed to the door, "Uh, why, Gary?"

"No reason." Gary darted out of the bar seconds later and when he heard the door close Harry stood up.

"Oh, man! Oh, you are terrific!" Sam turned to hug Harry who patted his back with one hand, holding the champagne in his left hand, chuckling.

Norm, Cliff, Paul, and Woody celebrated alongside him as Harry made his way to the door, seeing you arrive. "You guys, ever need any more help, you just give me a call." Harry shook Woody's outstretched hand, walking around the bar to where you stood, confused by the cheers.

"Aw, thank you, Harry," Sam said, turning to watch as Harry approached you.

"Yeah, don't mention it. I guess I've always had a soft spot for you lunkheads. And if it weren't for this place I might never have met that gorgeous woman right over there." He pointed to you, holding up the champagne bottle as he sent Sam a smile.

He greeted you with a kiss on your cheek and placed his hand on your back. You were even more confused when he led you towards the staircase leading to Melville's, looking back when Sam spoke.

"Hey, how are we gonna pay you back?"

"Sam, you already have," Harry replied before leading you upstairs.

When you were out of sight, you sent him a glance over your shoulder, eyebrow raised to which he responded with a grin you knew all too well.

"I'll explain over dinner."

After taking a cab to a restaurant and you were seated waiting for your order to arrive, you rested your elbows on the table, resting your hand on your clasped hands.

"So," You began with a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. "what was all that about at the bar?"

Harry explained Sam requesting his help to get revenge on Gary and causing the five men severe embarrassment whilst finding the humor in their pain. You listened quietly, your lips lifting in amusement as he told you about the scam he performed on Gary whom you had seen a few times when he came to Cheers to belittle Sam, and when he was finished, detailing how he stole cash from the register when Sam was talking to Gary before he fled the bar in pursuit of his alias Mr. Cunningham, you shook your head, sitting back in your chair.

"Come on, admit it." He leaned forward, leaning his arms on the table, a smirk on his lips, "You're impressed."

You smiled as the waiter arrived and looked across at Harry when he left. "Why did you do it? The thrill?"

"A high-stakes game ruse like this is always a thrill, but that wasn't the reason." He replied.

"You felt sorry for them, didn't you?"

"Yes, but that also wasn't the reason."

You sent him an exasperated glance and he chuckled. "Well, the suspense is killing me. Why did you do it?"

Harry took a drink from his glass, meeting your gaze as he set it down. "Nine years ago I met a woman in that bar. A beautiful woman with a wicked sense of humor." A smile formed on your lips. "Very forgiving." He referenced his stint in jail. You were angry at first, but mostly disappointed, however, you were always faithful. Leading the life he led, there wasn't many people he could trust. Just one. And that person was you.

"She would have to be." You tapped your finger on the bottom of your wine glass, sending him a smile. "I knew you were a teddy bear but I never realized you were so sentimental."

He knew how much the group at Cheers meant to you - your family away from home. Sam had warned you about Harry who held your interest the second he approached you that night nearly ten years ago. He didn't plan on scamming you, but he showed you how he performed the switch on Norm and Cliff, taking their money right in front of their eyes without them knowing. You were fascinated and amused and he stayed to have a drink with you - well aware of Sam's wary gaze on him the whole time.

The night ended with him asking you out and from that night forth your relationship only grew stronger when faced with challenges - his prison stint and the cops sniffing around now and then.

"My avenging angel." You mused. "Thank you."

You clinked your glass with his and smiled as your eyes met over the top of the glasses as you took a drink. He sent you a wink over the top of his glass and the smile remained throughout dinner as he made you laugh.

Life with Harry was always interesting. He was a con-man but times like this proved he had his honourable moments.

"Anything for you."

#harry gittes #harry gittes x reader #harry the hat #harry the hat x reader #cheers

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

the coin trick. ( harry gittes x reader )

gif belongs to me

You lived on the other side of Boston than your friends which is why when their cab arrived first, you were left behind and spent the time in Cheers having your favorite drink - free thanks to Coach who had spent most of the time chatting to you about your meal but had gone to the other side of the bar to pour drinks before heading to the pool room.

This left you glancing around, growing more bored as time ticked away. You noticed Harry arrive and when he moved took off his jacket and turned his hand, making a coin appear, holding it between his thumb and index finger an arm's length away, raising his other hand as he squinted, focused on the coin.

You had come to Cheers regularly since moving to Boston, so you knew the usual crowd well, however, this was your first time seeing Harry although Sam had warned you about him but it only made you more intrigued.

When you saw Norm watching Harry, you knew you weren't the only one curious about what he was up to. "The Celtics got going pretty good, eh?" Norm spoke up, drawing Harry's attention away from the coin.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't listening." He moved the coin to his other hand, hovering his hand above the coin. "I'm practicing my floating coin trick."

"Pardon me?"

Harry waved a hand dismissively, "Just a little something I do."

"So what is it? A rigged up coin, huh?"

"No, it's just a half dollar." Harry explained, standing up and tossing the coin on the bar as he approached Norm.

"It's a trick or something, right?" Norm picked up the coin, "Strings and wires, stuff life that."

"No strings, no wires. I just take the coin," He took the half dollar from Norm, holding it between his thumb and index finger, "I hold it in the air, out like that, then I let go of it real careful and it just stays there. Floats. Hangs there."

"What am I a goof?" Norm scoffed, pointing to himself. "No way you can make a coin float in the air. No way!"

"You got five bucks if I can do it?" Harry countered.

"Ten! Ten bucks!" Norm exclaimed.

Harry held his hands up, "Wait a minute am I being hustled here? You- You are gonna give me ten bucks if I cannot do it?"

"You're onsville, pal. Come on." Norm took out ten bucks from his pocket and you took a sip from your glass, hiding the smile on your lips as you finished your drink.

Harry held the coin out and focused for a few moments before letting go. The coin clattered to the floor and Norm laughed into his hand.

Harry threw his hands in the air, looking at the coin, "I couldn't do it."

"I knew you couldn't." Norm grinned.

Harry held a hand out and Norm handed him the ten bucks. "You just got stuck with ten bucks." His smile quickly dropped and you put a pretzel in your mouth, a giggle escaping your lips as Norm stood up from where he was perched on the barstool at the end of the bar, shouting for Coach who was in the pool room.

Harry was picking up his jacket when he noticed your amusement. Coach arrived and you observed as Harry turned when Norm explained he had hustled him out of ten dollars.

"I was just gonna call you Coach. I want to buy this lady a drink." Harry stood next to you and you looked at Norm when he pointed at you.

"I'm telling you, Coach. Hey! Y/N! You saw the whole thing! Didn't you?"

Three pairs of eyes focused on you and you failed to suppress your smile. You rested your arms on the bar, shrugging, "Sorry, Norm."

Coach approached you behind the bar, "I didn't know you two know each other." He pointed to you then Harry.

You waved a dismissive hand, "Oh, yeah, we're old -"

"Exes." Harry took a seat beside you and you raised an eyebrow when he smiled. "I'm trying to win her back, Coach."

Your smile grew, well aware he was flirting with you, making his intentions clear, and looked at Coach, ordering another drink. Harry repeated the order, before setting the ten bucks on the bar and asking for a drink for himself.

While Coach went to the office to get another bottle for Harry's drink, the supplies behind the bar running low, you looked at Norm with a small smile.

"Sorry, Norm. You lost. Accept defeat with grace." He glared as he took his seat, "And thank you..." He tilted his head in confusion, "for the drinks."

Harry smiled when you looked at him, holding a hand out. "I'm Harry."

You shook his hand as you introduced himself. "I know who you are." He raised an eyebrow. "You're the man after my heart." You referenced his lie to Coach and he chuckled.

"Is it that obvious?" It was only a part lie. You weren't exes, but he was going to win you over even if it took all night.

You held up your hand, holding your thumb and index finger close together, leaving only a small gap between them. For a few minutes you exchanged backgrounds, and Coach came and went. Eventually, you moved to a table, sitting side by side as you spoke.

"There's one thing I don't understand." You took out a coin from your bag and Harry raised an eyebrow in question. "How did you make it appear?"

A smile formed on his lips as he took the coin, your fingers brushing. You rested your cheek on your hand as he explained the trick and you listened with a smile as he explained, showing you. Being the showman he is, Harry closes his left hand around the coin and makes the coin appear in his right hand.

The door to Cheers opened but you took no notice until Sam called your name, leaning on the bar. "Your cab is here, honey."

You had forgotten about the cab you had called,. "Oh, right, yeah, okay," You draped your jacket over your arm, placing your bag on your shoulder as you rose from the chair. "You looked at Harry when he held his hand out, revealing the coin you had given him. You thanked him, taking the coin, and looking down at it as you fiddled with it for a moment before meeting his gaze. "Do you want to share a cab?"

"Sure." He smiled, putting his jacket on as he followed you.

Sam watched you leave together, your hands in Harry's who held the door open for you as you left the bar. He turned to look at Norm when he complained about his ten bucks.

"I don't know what I'm more shocked about. The fact he gave her back the coin or that he - wait never mind. I'm stunned that he gave her back the coin." Sam waved a hand dismissively.

"I could have bought three beers with that ten bucks." Norm muttered.

The door opened and you returned, approaching Norm with a smile, holding up ten bucks while Harry held the door open. "Goodnight, Normie."

"I knew there was a reason I liked you!" Norm shouted as you left. You looked over your shoulder at him with a smile as you walked out with Harry who smiled down at you adoringly.

And it was at that exact moment that Sam knew Harry 'the hat' Gittes was in love.

#harry gittes #harry gittes x reader #harry the hat #harry the hat x reader #cheers

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

this could be the beginning of something great. ( sam malone x reader )

gif belongs to me

You met Diane when she worked with Sumner and when their engagement fell apart, you were the only one who stood by her while everyone else claimed she was a homewrecker - and a bad one at that. You had warned her about pursuing a relationship with Sumner but when news of their engagement broke, you appeared happy for her, although you had a feeling how it would end.

For weeks Diane lied about working at Cheers, embarrassed to be working as a waitress, but you found out about her new job when you had a drink in the bar while waiting for your reserved table at Melville's to be ready.

You approached the bar, raising an eyebrow at the blonde who pretended to be cleaning glasses. "Do you work here?"

"Yes." She admitted. "But only until I find somewhere else."

You shook your head, "And you didn't tell me because..."

"Well, look at this place." She gestured wildly and you looked at a tall brown-haired man when he called out, "Hey!"

"I agree." You pointed at Sam, "I think it's nice."

Sam grinned, sliding up next to Diana, "Well, thank you. Sam Malone." He held a hand out and before you could shake it, she hit your hand away with a towel.

"He owes the bar," Diane explained, glaring at him.

You turned when your friends called for you to join them upstairs at Melville's and you looked at Sam. "It was nice meeting you, Sam." You looked at Diane, "We'll talk when I get back."

When you walked away Diane noticed the lift of Sam's lips and knew what he was thinking. After working in Cheers for three weeks she knew exactly what kind of man he was, and it was not the type of guy she wanted interested in you.

"Your friend seems nice."

"Don't even think about it."

Sam held his hands up, "I'm just saying -"

"Ah!" She pointed at him and he raised his eyebrows when she walked away.

Almost two hours later you returned to Cheers after dinner, this time alone, and sat on one of the barstools, smiling at Sam when he approached you.

"What can I get for you?"

When you told him your drink of choice, he began to tell you what it told him about the type of person you were and you rested your chin on your hand, a faint smile on your lips as you observed him.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. I happen to like that in a woman." He said as he placed a napkin in front of you, followed by a glass.

You shook your head, taking a sip while Sam propped his foot behind the bar, resting his elbow on his thigh. "You see it's all to do with the...uh,"

"Frontal lobe." You supplied with a smile.

He snapped his fingers, pointing at you. "Exactly."

You shook your head, your smile growing.

"How was dinner?"

"Overpriced slop. The conversations were hardly stimulating either." You replied.

"You know, I know a nice little Italian place nearby that we could go to and have a little stimulating conversation."

Diane appeared before you could respond and sprayed him with soda. Sam retreated and you watched the two with rapt attention, sipping your drink. Sam went to his office to get a fresh shirt and Diane took the time to warn you about Sam Malone - former relief pitcher for the Red Sox and serial womanizer.

You listened as she listed all the reasons you should not go out with him and when you had heard enough, you held a hand up to silence her. "If it means that much to you, I will steer clear."

Diane topped up your glass before leaving to wait tables and when Sam returned she was carrying drinks to the pool room. You smiled when Sam rested his arms on the bar and spoke before he could.

"Were you really a relief pitcher for the Red Sox?"

"Diane told you about me?"

You nodded. "She also mentioned that I would be doing my fellow women a disservice by going out to dinner with you. She said you are an eternal bachelor who asks women out for one night and never call them back, nor do you answer their calls." You sipped your drink as he straightened, hiding your amusement at the situation.

"I asked you out to dinner because I think you're funny and smart but you don't take yourself too seriously, and I like that. Not because you're attractive. You are, but that's not the only reason."

"So this restaurant you mentioned earlier...still need a date?"

Sam was visibly surprised, which quickly turned into a grin as he nodded, propping his foot up behind the bar, leaning his arm on his knee. "Yeah. But what about -" He paused to quickly look around for Diane and you smiled when he turned around. "little know-it-all over there?"

You shrugged, "I like to make my own assessments of people."

Sam lowered his leg, resting his arms on the bar, smiling as he began to arrange a time to pick you up, as you wanted to go home and change. Diane set her tray down loudly, and you looked at the blonde who was glaring at Sam before meeting his gaze. "Can you give us a second?"

Sam walked away to the other end of the bar and you sighed as Diane began to try and talk you out of going on a date with Sam. You stood up from the barstool, approaching her. "Diane, sweetie, I love you, and I will heed your wisdom. But I want to go out with Sam tonight and as my friend, as I have done for you, I want you to be happy for me." You took her hands, "And if you can't pretend."

She sighed, looking away before slowly nodding. "Alright. I'm sorry. He's just..."

"Good looking, funny, athletic..." You trailed off with a small smile. "I know you were trying to look out for me. And I love you for it. " You hugged her briefly before picking up your bag. You turned to Sam who was poorly hiding his intrigue in your conversation. "See you later, Sam."

He sent you a smile and a wave. When you walked out and the door closed, he glanced at Diane, doing a double take when he saw the blonde's expression.

"Now, Diane, before you do something stupid I want you to take a second and think about -" She reached over the bar and sprayed him with soda, soaking Norm and Cliff in the process as Sam ran for cover.

You looked through the window, crouching on the staircase, and shook your head with a smile. When you looked into his eyes you knew this could be the beginning of something great.

#sam malone #sam malone x reader #cheers

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

oh, what a night. ( niles crane x reader )

gif belongs to me

You were sitting with Frasier and Roz when Niles arrived at the café and he returned minutes later to find Roz telling a story about a guy she had gone out on three dates with - each ending the same.

You thanked him when he set a cup next to you. "Roz is telling us about a guy she dated." You explained as he sat between you and his brother.

"Can you narrow it down?"

You playfully nudged him with your shoulder and turned to Roz who paused in her tale to send him an irritated glance. "So you were at your apartment..." You trailed off.

"Right." She began again, "We decided to call it off, but then he kissed me and said, 'Just give me one more night'. And he just pulled off his uniform and buttons were flying everywhere. Then he grabs me and he says, "Baby, I'm gonna make this a night you will never forget. When I woke up the pillows were on the floor, and the sheets were a mess. And I will always remember it."

You smiled, "Have you seen him since that night?"

Roz shook her head. "No, I haven't."

"Are you sure? There have been so many, you could have walked by him and not known it."

You looked at Niles as he casually sipped his tea, but you could see the slight smirk on his lips.

"You don't even wrinkle the sheets, do you?" Roz shot back.

Niles gaped, offended, his cup hitting the saucer with a clink as he set it down while Frasier poorly hid his amusement.

It was your turn to smirk as you took a sip of your drink, "Usually they end up on the floor."

Roz raised an eyebrow, mirroring your smirk as Niles looked at you in surprise at your admission.

You squinted in thought for a moment before slowly nodding. "August twelfth." A grin formed on your lips. "What a night that was."

Niles raised his eyebrows at you while Roz shook her head, and Frasier muttered about 'talk of his brother's life was ruining his coffee'.

Niles smiled when you leaned into him, placing his hand on the back of your chair. "It was, wasn't it?" He spoke in your ear, but Frasier was close enough to over hear.

"Oh, get a room." The eldest Crane brother grumbled.

Niles checked his watch and you smiled, "You know, I do have extra time this afternoon due to a cancellation."

Frasier rolled his eyes when you both stood up and shook his head when you bid goodbye, heading to Niles's car. Roz watched as you walked with haste, hand in hand across the street, heading to Niles's car, the gleam in your eyes and the smile on your lips was all the proof she needed to know you weren't kidding about August twelfth - last Tuesday night.

And while she may jokingly mention guys she could hook you up with, just to rile up Niles, she was truly happy that you both had found happiness after seeing the pain he went through after his divorce and your broken engagement.

#niles crane #niles crane x reader #frasier

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

second chances. ( sam malone x reader )

gif belongs to me

There wasn't one singular moment when Sam felt it was time to enter a new chapter in his life with you. Fatherhood wasn't something he thought of before while he was living his bachelor lifestyle and when you walked into Cheers for a drink with friends before having dinner at Melville's upstairs, Sam believed it was a second chance to reignite an old flame, but never thought he would end up here, daydreaming that the child in your arms was his.

You were hesitant to begin again with Sam Malone, and when you agreed to have dinner with him you hadn't expected to reconnect as quickly as you did. It had been three years since you had seen him, and as you listened to him over dinner, you realized that he had matured a lot during that time.

It wasn't until you were babysitting Frederick while Frazier and Lilith were attending the opera that Sam truly understood what the missing piece in his life was. And he realized that breaking your heart three years ago was the biggest regret of his life. And how fortunate he was that you had agreed to try again.

The past seven months had been a whirlwind, but he remembered everything. The way your eyes crinkled when you smiled, the way you leaned into him when you laughed, and the way you looped your arm with his when you were walking or stood next to each other. You had been engaged three months before you entered his bar and your two-year relationship went up in flames the second you heard he was seeing other women.

Sam would always remember the sadness in your eyes when he said he was sorry, calling the guy a jerk. Your shoulders were slumped in defeat, resigned to believe that there was something wrong with you that two of your relationships had ended with being cheated on.

"I know how to pick 'em, don't I?" You had tried to lighten the atmosphere, but your attempt only made your pain more apparent. "Must be something wrong with me, huh?"

"No, honey, no there's nothing wrong with you."

You thanked him for the drinks, and took the glasses to the table, joining your friends who had been watching your interaction with rapt attention. A short while later you were finishing your drinks when you were informed your table was ready upstairs, and Sam hopped over the bar, calling out to you before you could head towards the staircase.

Asking you out that night was one of the greatest things he's ever done. He remembered how your relationship fell apart and knew that he had to take things slow this time and prove to you that he could be a one-woman guy. Before you were younger, not ready to settle down, until you were and you walked away from him when he told you he wasn't that type of guy.

At that time, he was not the marrying type, and he firmly believed in living his life as an eternal bachelor, but as years went by he got a little older and a little wiser and he could see that he should have stopped you that day because right now, right here, watching you read Frederick to sleep, he wanted everything. Marriage, babies, the whole shebang. He wanted you.

You noticed his staring as you tucked Frederick into bed, and smiled softly. "What?"

"Do you ever think about having kids?"

You returned the book to the bookcase, before leaving the bedroom with him. "Sometimes." You replied, not wanting to scare him away by admitting you had been wanting kids for a few years as you left the door ajar. "D-Do you?"

Sam slowly nodded. "Quite a lot actually."

You raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Spending all this time with Freddy has got me thinking about the whole legacy thing. And made me realize what I've been missing out on. I-I don't want to waste another second."

"What are you saying, Sam?"

"I want to have a kid. More than anything. I want to get married. I want to settle down." He took your hand, covering it with his other hand, "With you."

"Oh, Sam," You stared up at him with tears in your eyes. "Do you really mean that?"

"Yeah, I do." He cleared his throat, stepping back before kneeling on one knee, holding your hand. "I, uh, don't have a ring right now. But I will stop by the jeweler tomorrow and pick one out."

You smiled softly at how nervous he was.

"When you walked out of the bar that day I should have dragged you back in. I should never have let you go. I realize that now more than ever. I like to think that when you came back to the bar that night there was some kind of higher power at play, giving me a second chance to right some wrongs, get things right. I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world." A tear fell down your cheek. "Y/N. will you marry me?"

You placed a hand on your chest, "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you."

"Really?"

You nodded and he got to his feet, grinning as he took you into his arms, and kissed you passionately.

The wedding was an intimate affair. Immediate friends and family were only in attendance. You agreed not to waste another second and started trying to have a baby. Sam would be thrilled with a boy or a girl - but you knew he favored a boy so he could teach him how to play baseball.

You hadn't expected the road to parenthood to be so difficult. Two months went by and each time you took a test it was negative, or your periods started, you and Sam became a little more disappointed, wondering if you would ever have kids.

A month later when you realized your cycle was late, you prolonged taking a test, not wanting to burst the hope you were feeling, waiting a week before biting the bullet and taking a pregnancy test. And another. Then a third.

When all three were positive you were stunned and brought to tears and you rushed to the telephone to call the bar, before deciding it was news best delivered in person. Sam was walking out of the pool room when you arrived and he was surprised to see you, greeting you with a smile as he approached you.

"What's wrong?"

You handed him the bag in your hand. He was curious as he took out the paper, revealing a Red Sox jersey for a six-month-old. "I thought you could give it to the baby when they grow into it."

"That's a good idea. Thank you." He paused and you began to smile. "When they grow into it?"

You nodded, confirming his thoughts. "I'm pregnant."

"We're having a kid?" He lowered his voice, grinning as he placed a hand on your cheek, kissing you hotly, placing an arm around your shoulders as he stood next to you, announcing to the bar. "We're having a kid!"

Cheers sounded throughout the bar and you smiled, leaning into his side as he kissed your head. You stayed the remaining hour, waiting for Sam to lock up.

He passed the time by leaning on the bar, talking to you, and making plans to set up the nursery. When he announced the last round of the night, asking what everyone wanted, you held up your hand.

"I'll have a white wine spritzer."

He smiled as he picked up your glass, "I'll get you water. But to make you feel better I will put it in a wine glass."

You giggled as you watched him walk away to fill up your glass. He returned with a bowl of pretzels and you thanked him, smiling as he leaned on the bar, sending you a wink.

"Feel fancy?" He asked when you took a drink from the wine glass.

"I do." You clinked your glass against his soda bottle, sharing a smile.

Sam lifted the bottle to his lips, pausing briefly before setting it on the bar. Before you could question his thoughtful expression, he leaned against the bar, meeting your gaze. "Thank you."

"For what?" You smiled, tilting your head as he held your left hand in both of his.

"For everything. Giving me a second chance. Marrying me. Being the mother of my kid. To name a few."

You held up your glass, "It's been an honor, Mr. Malone."

He smiled as he clinked his bottle against the glass, "Here's to many more, Mrs. Malone."

As you both leaned in, lips almost meeting, Carla shouted, "Oh, give it a rest, will you? I'm feeling queasy."

You pulled away, shaking your head as she set the tray on the bar beside you. "What did you do? Look in a mirror?"

Sam nearly spit out the soda he was drinking, hitting his chest. He chuckled as he twisted the cap on his soda bottle.

"You're free pass ends in nine months. Enjoy it." Carla warned.

"Oh, I will." You took a sip of water from the wine glass, and Sam smiled at you when you winked at him.

He was forever grateful to you for giving him a second chance and remained true to his word that he would make you the happiest woman in the world. And he savoured every moment with you, never taking it for granted like he did before.

You still remember the night tears fell in Cheers when Sam Malone announced the end of his Babe Hound ways and was becoming a one woman man. Carla always called you a murderer, claiming you had killed the old Sam Malone - but you knew she was only partly upset as she was glad Sam was happy, knowing more than anyone that he had felt for a while there was a void in his life and when you came along it was like everything fell perfectly into place.

#sam malone #sam malone x reader #cheers

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

the fortune teller. ( russ brennan/kyle keenan x reader )

gif belongs to me

You met Russ when he joined the fairground crew. You had taken over your mother's fortune teller tent a year and a half before he began to travel with the group you proudly called family. He was quiet in the beginning, and kept to himself, but you soon saw him opening up and even gave him a Tarot reading after one too many drinks at the bar.

The card depicted a great loss in his life, sadness, and abandonment, but also a family reunion. For months, the latter didn't prove to be true, but that didn't mean he wouldn't confide in you about his past. You were stunned when he told you about his parents, about his sister being taken away when he was nineteen, and how he regretted not being able to care for her at that age, leading to their strained relationship decades later.

Russ, or Kyle, as you called him when you were alone, was hesitant to rebuild the broken relationship with his sister although you knew that he desired it. For so long he had kept tabs on her, following her career, but kept his distance, believing she didn't want to see him. Hated him.

While Temperance spoke to Russ, Seeley informed you about the woman he affectionately called 'Bones'. She felt abandoned, craving answers about her past that you knew Russ, or rather Kyle, could provide. And between the two of you, conspired to reunite the siblings, which led to Kyle providing his sister with answers to their parents' past that helped her solve the murder of their mother.

The coins around your waist jingled as you approached where he was working, sending him a smile knowing he wasn't expecting to see his sister after their confrontation where he confessed he felt shut out - that she had pushed him away and found a new family. But you had seen Seeley and Temperance arrive and sought out Kyle, greeting him with a smile.

"There's someone here to see you."

You turned, and he followed your gaze to where Seeley was walking with his sister, the FBI agent backing off when he saw the two of you. And you turned to Kyle with a small smile, "I handpicked cards for you this morning." You knew he didn't particularly believe in Tarot reading, and you were inclined to agree, however in this case you hoped they were right. "It's a time of healing old wounds."

Before he could speak you kissed his cheek and stepped away, greeting Temperance before walking towards Booth who kept his distance, but stayed close by to watch the interaction.

"What do the cards say?" He asked when you joined him.

"Forgiveness and healing." You told him.

He looked at the siblings as they spoke, sighing as he met your gaze. "I hope you're right."

"Me too." You whispered, not intending for him to hear, but he did. You watched as two siblings spoke and your gaze briefly met Kyle's and you sent him a small nod, moments before they hugged. You smiled as you observed, looking at Booth who began to argue that the cards had nothing to do with it.

"Oh, honey, they had everything to do with it."

He shook his head, smirking at you. You knew from the way he looked at Temperance that he would become family - predicting their relationship five years before they started dating much to Kyle's despair and amusement.

When he met your gaze you knew it was time to return to his side and you nudged Booth on your way, signalling him to follow you. Kyle placed a hand on your back and you sent him a smile, knowing he would argue, as Booth did, that the Tarot reading that morning you had drawn on his behalf, hadn't predicted his reunion with his sister.

As the two partners bid goodbye you knew that the two siblings would remain in contact. You listened as he explained that Temperance had caught their mother's killer and rubbed a hand on his back, knowing that even after two years he still found it difficult to remain transparent in your relationship - meaning no secrets.

"This has nothing to do with the cards."

You playfully rolled your eyes. "It had everything to do with the cards."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to your temple, bringing you closer to his chest. You nudged him with your elbow, raising an eyebrow when he said, "Alright, alright. Maybe it isn't complete nonsense."

"Thank you."

He smiled down at you when you wrapped your arms around his neck, placing his hands on your waist. "Thank you."

You knew he was thanking you for breaking through his stubbornness which told him to keep Temperance as far away as he could. You encouraged him to mend the broken bridges of the past and build a stronger one that could survive anything.

"I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Misery." You replied without hesitation. "Lots of misery."

He laughed, shaking his head, and you smiled as you leaned into his chest, wrapping your arms around his waist.

Temperance looked back for a moment, seeing the way he kissed your head, and knew that you were a factor in rebuilding her relationship with Russ. Seeley followed her distracted gaze, seeing you wipe the lipstick from his mouth, laughter leaving your lips as he spoke, a smile lighting up his features.

She was relieved that he hadn't been alone. He had joined the carnival as a way to move around under the radar, as all carnival folk looked out for one another and never consulted cops. To know he had found someone, fallen in love so strongly that it was clear to see even years later, written in the way you gazed at each other, made her feel relieved to know that he had someone to look after him - that he had found somewhere he belonged with someone he loved just as she had, even if it took her five more years to realize it.

You proved pivotal in their reunion and the strengthening of their bond over the years. Even when it was revealed that Max, their father had kept in contact with Kyle who hid it from you, the bond never faltered. You were a family-orientated person and Temperance always credited you for bringing Russ and her together again, even if she tried to discredit the Tarot cards which you believed predicted the future.

#russ brennan #russ brennan x reader #kyle keenan #kyle keenan x reader #bones

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

looming parenthood. ( gregory house x reader )

gif belongs to me

The singular lamp lit his office when you entered while the minutes ticked by into the early hours of the morning. House looked up, his pinky finger against his lips as he reviewed the files, removing his glasses as he met your gaze.

It was difficult at times to know when to act as your boss, or your boyfriend during a case that was troubling you, especially now that you were pregnant. From your pacing, he deduced you needed both, and knew you needed assurance and comfort after a conflicting case.

"I didn't tell him." Your eyes burned from unshed tears as your body ran on caffeine, wearing a hole in the carpet of his office.

"In cases like this, it's difficult to know whether to listen to your head or your heart. Your brain said she's better off not knowing, and your heart is saying she needed to know. Following your heart is easy. Following your brain is tough." He removed his glasses as he spoke and you lowered your gaze to the ground, nodding softly.

House knew if he didn't act soon it would be one more sleepless night. "A case like this...it's hard to know what the right choice is." He began, "But you made the right one."

"Did I?" A tear fell down your cheek and he used the balls of his feet, pushing himself away from his desk.

"Come here." You crossed the room, settling on his lap and his arms brought you closer, your head resting on his shoulder as your tears fell. "A life filled with nightmares or a life filled with blissful ignorance. What would you prefer?"

"What's the context?" You spoke up a few moments later, feeling his chest vibrate as he chuckled.

"You know what the context is." His lips pressed against your forehead and you closed your eyes as he lingered, seeking the comfort he offered.

Greg rested his cheek against your hair, as your tears fell silently on his shirt. There were many sides to Gregory House, but this was one side he reserved purely for your eyes only. And it only made you question your future further. "I'd make a horrible mother."

"Now, you're just babbling nonsense."

You lifted your head, meeting his gaze, "What chance would our child have?"

Silence filled the office as your tears fell and you wiped them on your lab coat, believing this was one fact he could not argue against, but his tone held absolution when he finally spoke, "They're the luckiest kid in the world and they don't even know it."

"They're not even ten weeks old and their mother would rearrange the stars if it made them happy." He added moments later, causing you to lift your head to meet his gaze. "You're already a mother. You have been for a long time now. A mother without a baby. You should spend less time worrying about being a mother and focusing more on the father."

You knew his doubts about fatherhood and saw the fear in his eyes when you broke the news one night in his apartment. But you knew he would be a great father. Even if he didn't believe it. He knew more about the harsh reality of the world you lived in than you did, and he was wiser, if more cynical, than anyone you knew, but you knew there was plenty of love left inside of him - all the proof shown from loving you when he swore off relationships that didn't involve prostitutes.

You placed a hand on his cheek, smiling softly when his eyes closed as your thumb swept across his cheekbone. Your lips met his and the noise outside the office drifted away. His hand rose to your neck, another bringing your waist closer to his body as the kiss deepened.

The future was uncertain. A case like this left you questioning everything you thought you knew and he was the only one who gave you the one thing you reminded him of when he believed he had forgotten it long ago - hope. As long as you were together, you always sought a brighter future, even when the scars of the past seemed like they happened yesterday.

And as you looked down at his hand that rested on your fourteen-week pregnancy bump, you knew that your child would be given everything you both craved and would never question the love or dedication of their parents. And a case like this reminded you of how lucky you were to have Gregory House by your side, to promise that the grass was greener on the other side - even if he was a well-known sceptic.

As his lips pressed against your forehead, you were certain of one thing. As long as you had him by your side, you could survive anything.

#gregory house #gregory house x reader #greg house #greg house x reader #house m.d.

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

flustered. ( niles crane x reader )

gif belongs to me

It was common for you to attend bars with Roz after your five-year relationship ended, and Roz was determined to help you play the field, and knowing her heart was in the right place, you agreed. You met Niles at the coffee shop one afternoon, he was sitting with Frasier and Roz, the latter calling you over to join them. A few weeks later it was common for you to sit with Niles whilst you waited for Frasier or Roz, and sometimes arranged to meet each other in the mornings before work without the others.

One day he called you at work, asking you to dinner and you were nervous about the date, knowing the Crane brothers loved fine dining. You went out for hours after work to find a simple, elegant dress, and his reaction eased all your worries as he pulled out a chair for you to sit down.

That night you made an agreement to keep your relationship under wraps from Frasier and Roz, who were judgemental of your significant others. This meant Roz still dragged you to bars every weekend, and while you went now and then to appease her, you always left early without a date.

You entered the coffee shop, greeting the trio who were sitting at their usual table as you ordered your coffee. Niles pulled a chair out for you, and you sat beside him, looking at Roz and Frasier.

"I heard the show today. Awe-inspiring." You thanked the barista who brought over your coffee.

"Did you catch the part when he cut off the crazy guy on line 2?"

You nodded.

"He was lonely -" Frasier began to defend the man who had droned on for nearly ten minutes until finally he ended the call.

"So get a pet or something." Roz took a sip of her coffee.

"Didn't he have a goldfish that died?" You asked.

"Goldielocks." Niles supplied.

"Of course." You looked at Roz, "Maybe you should call him up, get his mind off his dead fish?"

"You're joking, right?" She raised an eyebrow at you, "That reminds me, there's a new place opened up, what time do you want me to pick you up?"

You sipped your coffee, sending her an apologetic look.

"Oh, no, you're canceling again, aren't you?"

"I have a date tonight." You sent her a smile, careful not to catch Niles's gaze, knowing Frasier would quickly deduce your plans.

"Is it the same guy from last week?" When you nodded she asked, "What are you going to wear? Ooh, the red lace dress with the thin straps! Pair it with a saucy pair of heels and he will be all over you."

"I was thinking of something more along the lines of Victoria's Secret," You took out the two similar sets of underwear and held them up, "What do you think, Niles? Red or green?"

His eyes darted between the sets, and you bit back a grin at his reaction. He exhaled, turning his head briefly as he gestured with his hands.

"Green definitely," Roz told you. "It's such a lovely colour, like -"

"Emeralds." Frasier supplied.

You grinned as you handed the sets to Niles, who tried not to stare, but he was finding it difficult not to picture you wearing the sets tonight. You always knew exactly how to get him hot under the collar.

You held the bag and he placed the sets inside, meeting your mischievous gaze. "Well, I better get going."

You headed out of the coffee shop and Frazier looked at his brother when he held his coffee cup, staring at the cup, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

"What's the matter with you?"

Niles shook his head, "I just remembered I have to be somewhere."

Frasier turned in his chair when Niles stood up, setting his cup down. "Where?"

"Somewhere."

You weren't ready for people to know about your relationship yet, but you did enjoy giving Niles plenty to think about - loving the thrill of sneaking around. You knew Roz would wonder why and when you and Niles started dating, while Frasier would be hurt that he hadn't known sooner. And you planned to tell them one day, but for now, you were happily living in the moment, making him flustered whenever you could.

#niles crane #niles crane x reader #frasier

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

the future. ( chase davenport x reader )

After discovering that the last time she entrusted the bionic siblings to watch Naomi, she had been turned into a teenager, Tasha was wary when she left with Donald for their date, but when you arrived just as they were leaving, she was immediately relieved seeing how doting you were when you babysat for them on date nights - she could count on you to ensure there would be no accidents.

Donald shook his head when Tasha grabbed your arms, pleading with you to avoid another disaster and you patted her hand, sending her a smile. "Don't worry," You assured her. "I won't let her out of my sight."

"Hey, I fixed it!" Chase spoke up in his defense.

You hushed him, sending Tasha and Donald one last smile before they left. You approached Naomi who was squirming in Bree's arms, repeating the first syllable of your name. You smiled at the toddler, as Bree happily handed her over.

"We felt horrible about it."

"If only Chasey-Wasey didn't leave his gizmos lying around, huh?" You smiled when Naomi giggled, clapping her hands.

He held his hand up, "If I promise to lock them away, does Chasey-Wasey get a kissy wissy?"

Bree made a retching noise as she walked out and you giggled, holding out your arm, making Chase grin as he walked over, placing a hand on your back as he greeted you with a kiss.

"She still hates the baby talk?"

Chase nodded with a smile. "Want to follow her around?"

"I haven't seen my boyfriend for almost a week, I think I'd like to -"

"Canoodle?"

You covered Noami's ears, raising an eyebrow at him.

"There is no way she understood that."

"Canoodle!"

Chase raised an eyebrow in surprise before meeting your knowing gaze, eyes wide, realizing if Naomi repeated the word to Tasha or Donald, they would no doubt speak to you both, "Movie?"

"Good idea." You smiled, following him to the living room.

Throughout the movie Naomi played with toys and when she proudly showed you her stuffed elephant you mirrored her excitement. When she grew tired halfway through the movie, she snuggled into you, and you placed a blanket around her, smiling as she fell asleep.

You felt Chase's stare as it was common for him to observe your interactions with Naomi and you combed a strand of hair away from her forehead, a smile on your lips as you said. "You better not be thinking what I think you are thinking. And if you are thinking it, you better be thinking of waiting a little while longer."

You turned your head, glancing at his lips that formed an entranced smile, his arm tightening around your shoulders as he brought you closer to his chest.

"How long?"

You rested your head on his shoulder, humming thoughtfully, a giggle leaving your lips when he leaned in, closing your eyes when your lips met, placing a hand on his cheek.

A few moments later you pulled away when a voice whisper-shouted, "Hey!"

You both looked at the doorway to find Bree pointing at you, "You're supposed to be watching the baby. Not making one."

You buried your head in Chase's chest as he chuckled. You lifted your head when she left the room and turned to look at Naomi who slept peacefully.

"A little while longer." You whispered, a smile forming on your lips as you admired the beautiful toddler.

Chase met your gaze when you turned your head to look at him, a smile on his lips, as he slowly nodded his head. "I can do that."

He tilted your chin up, kissing you tenderly before you both turned your attention back to the movie. When you graduated, you didn't have a clear picture of what your future looked like - all you knew then was that Chase would be in it. But as you got older, you knew what you wanted, and when Naomi was born, that image grew clearer and clearer. And as you rested your head on his chest, his lips grazing your head, pressing against your hair, you knew it would soon become a reality.

#chase davenport #chase davenport x reader #lab rats

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

protector. ( chase davenport x reader )

You bumped into Chase on his first day, and he had stammered countless apologies, swiftly picking up your books and holding them to you with a smile. And from that moment on, Chase always paid attention to you during classes or in the hallways. Whenever you entered a room, he was immediately drawn to you, and it quickly became common for Leo and Adam to tease him about his attraction.

Bree had questioned him months later when you had been paired with Chase for a class project, but he had never made his feelings known. She knew Adam and Leo's remarks cut deeper than he would admit. So he never asked you out.

A year later, you were at your locker when Trent approached you, and you inwardly groaned when he leaned next to you, knowing he would ask you out again. And you would have to turn him down again.

But this time Trent was more persistent.

He took the books from your hand and you glared at him. "Give them back."

"Go out with me."

"No."

"Then I'll hang onto them for a while." He smirked.

"Trent, give them back!" You tried to take them back, but Trent held them out of your reach.

Chase walked out of the cafeteria with Adam and Leo, the latter drawing his attention to the situation. Chase walked over to your locker and stood next to you as he spoke to Trent.

"Give her the books."

Trent laughed, "Aw, the nerd has a soft spot for you. How adorable."

Your glare darkened, "Don't be a jerk."

"She is way out of your league short stack. Why don't you walk away before you get hurt, huh?"

Adam saw Chase's expression change and tightened his hold on his backpack. "Uh oh."

You gasped when Spike took over, grabbed Trents shirt, and pinned him against the lockers.

"No, you are going to get hurt, punk." He barked. "Give her the books or I turn you into a pretzel."

"Here! Here!"

You took the books and held them to your chest, biting the inside of your cheek as you watched Chase-now Spike, shoved Trent into the lockers.

"Chase, that's enough." You placed a hand on his bicep, drawing his attention.

For a moment his grip faltered, as if he was breaking through, but Spike wasn't done yet. He looked at Trent, who held his hands up, eyes wide as he glared at him. "If I see you troubling her again, I will hang you from the flagpole."

He shoved him aside, and Trent scrambled away. You watched him flee before looking at Chase who lowered his head, meeting your gaze moments later with regret and embarrassment. You opened your mouth to thank him when he dashed away, with Adam and Leo following close behind.

You had no shared classes after lunch period and you couldn't rest without thanking him for protecting you. So after stopping home, you went to the Davenport house, knocking on the door.

Tasha answered the door and let you inside to wait in the living room while Bree, who had been in the kitchen, headed to the lab to tell Chase you had arrived.

"Oooh, Chase, your girlfriend is here!" She grinned.

Chase immediately began to panic. Since arriving home he had hidden in the lab, trying to get his mind off the incident, while Adam and Leo teased him about you.

"Uh," He paced the floor, trying to think of an excuse. "Tell her I'm not here."

"Tasha already told her you're here," Bree said, pursing her lips when she saw how nervous he was about seeing you again, after avoiding you in the hallways for the rest of the school day. "She probably wants to thank you."

"Or tell me she thinks I'm a freak and never wants to see me again."

"You've shared classes with her for over a year, I think she already knows you're weird." Bree knew that the teasing from Adam, Leo, and herself hadn't helped his confidence and stepped forward to place a hand on his shoulder. "She saw him and didn't freak out. I'd say she passed the test."

Chase thought back to the way he felt Spike weaken when you touched his arm, the look in your eyes taking away his anger, his need to protect you so strong that it was the only reason he couldn't hold him off completely.

Your eyes held no judgment then, and as he approached the sofa, meeting your gaze when you stood up, he couldn't see it now either.

"Hi."

"Hey." He held his hand up awkwardly.

"About today -"

"I'm really sorry for -"

"No, no, don't be." You moved closer, sending him a smile that eased the tension in his shoulders. "I came here to thank you. Trent has been bugging me for a while and I would've let you - what was it? Turn him into a pretzel?" Chase blushed, glancing at his feet. "I didn't want you getting in trouble because of me."

Chase lifted his gaze, your eyes locking, and you hoped the blush on your cheeks wasn't noticeable. He did. And it gave him the confidence he needed.

"Would you like to go on a date?" He asked, quickly adding, "With me."

Your smile grew as you nodded, "I'd love too."

His toothy grin took your breath away and you looked away before you could faint at the sight, picking up your bag off the sofa.

"I'd better head home. My mom will be expecting me."

Chase walked you to the door, and you stepped outside. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

You sent him a smile, "Definitely." You leaned in to kiss his cheek and he stood frozen, uttering a quiet 'Bye' as you walked away.

His lips slowly formed a large grin as he headed inside, closing the door. Tomorrow couldn't come around soon enough.

#chase davenport #chase davenport x reader #lab rats

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

BONES

Lance Sweets

╼ healing.

Russ Brennan/Kyle Keenan

╼ the fortune teller.

#bones #lance sweets #seeley booth #russ brennan #kyle keenan

[thinkingaboutbetterdays]

healing. ( lance sweets x reader )

When Temperance learned the truth about her father and brother, Russ, who she later learned was actually Kyle, led her to you, hoping her presence would save you from the path you had carved for yourself. You followed your father's footsteps partly, focusing on corruption and Kyle always kept track of you, and when he heard you were in the city, he encouraged Temperance to find you and help you start anew as he had tried to do.

Your crimes weren't traceable, only through confession could a link be made, you were clever in that sense. However, you and Kyle were close and he knew what signs to follow to find you and he went with Temperance and Seeley to find you.

"She'll know she's being followed, so just keep your eyes open."

The more she learned about you the more Temperance began to question whether it was a good idea to track you down when you went to extraordinary lengths not to be found. When he learned you were a highly dangerous skilled assassin with decades of experience, Seeley had warned her that she might not like what she found but supported her when she was determined to find you.

The trio walked towards the apartment and Seeley pulled Temperance behind the car when the top floor exploded, glass falling onto the street. Kyle sighed when he saw the flames, looking at his younger sister, pausing when he noticed you across the street. Your eyes met and within seconds you were making a quick escape.

"Y/N!" He called after you, crossing the street.

Seeley and Temperance followed, keeping up with his sprint, and you entered an alley, disappearing from view. Kyle looked around, trying to find you, shouting, "I just want to talk!"

A few anxiety-filled moments later, Booth was taken down, your heel against his throat, his gun aimed at his chest. Your gaze was icy as you looked at your older brother. "You brought an FBI agent here to talk?" You cocked the weapon and pressed your foot farther into his neck.

"Don't!" Temperance stepped forward. "Don't shoot him. He's with me."

You raised an eyebrow at her, "And who are you?"

"Joy," Kyle spoke up, a small smile forming on his lips having seen how attached you were before Joy went missing. "It's really her."

You dragged Booth to his feet, pressing the gun against his back, twisting his arm until he was forced to kneel.

"Look at her eyes," Kyle continued. "It's her."

You held the brunette's gaze, her wide eyes misty as you pressed the gun into her partner. After a few tense moments you released Booth and he turned, eyebrows rising when you held out his gun, slowly taking it from you.

You stepped towards Temperance with furrowed brows. "I know you. You wrote a book."

"I did." She nodded.

You stared at your sister with a small smile forming on your lips. "You're really her, aren't you?" You whispered in disbelief.

Before she could respond you had brought her into a hug and Kyle smiled, meeting your gaze over her shoulder when she returned it. You pulled away moments later, turning to Seeley.

"You work with the FBI." You looked at Kyle and Temperance. "Dr Temperance Brennan. I've seen you. I never paid much attention before, but," You trailed off, shaking your head. "I can't believe it's really you."

When Kyle was seven he recalled your father telling him, never to call himself Kyle again, changing identities to Russ while you became Y/N. You were protective of Joy - Temperance - when she was young, despite being the youngest sibling, right until the very end. When your mother died, you left, your father failed to keep the three of you together, and while you received a phone call now and then from Kyle who checked in to make sure you hadn't gotten yourself killed since Joy was taken into state care, you were off the grid.

You looked at Seeley, "I suppose this is the part where you arrest me. I'd start with arson."

It was a light sentence when tallied with the full list of your crimes, but it was a start. Your influence with judges left you on house arrest, staying with Temperance while a colleague of hers, Dr. Sweets, became your therapist. You knew he was anxious about meeting you given your history, but you knew immediately that he would be persistent. You weren't thrilled with the idea of daily check-ins, but when you tried to keep him at arm's length he happily stayed in silence. And after two weeks he finally made a breakthrough, getting you to confide in him.

Patient-doctor relationships were forbidden. Judgment became clouded, and while Lance was under no illusion of who you were, and what you had done, he found himself empathizing with you as you spoke about the anger you felt and the turmoil you endured after your mother's death. You told him about living in a city on your own, always moving around, stealing wallets to pay for a bus to move between cities. You found a job at a café and eventually got an apartment, but your past training always followed. You enhanced your skills, and finally at age sixteen, you killed for the first time.

Despite who you were, then and now, as you spoke, Lance could see the pain, and hear the fear you felt at that time. Living alone in the darkness, the vengeful angel.

It was nearing the end of the first month living with Temperance, that his judgment became clouded, admiring your strength while horrified by what you had done, yet unable to see that person when he was sitting across from you in the living room.

He could see how much simpler life had been when you were on your own, but now you were surrounded by family, your brother checking in every day now that you had a permanent address, regret was building inside you and you had no idea how to control it.

The topic of your mother was a touchy one. And Lance knew after two sessions, the reason why. You felt she would be disappointed, horrified, and it was leading to self-loathing, and he knew you would become a flight risk.

So when you disappeared, he was not surprised, nor was he concerned. Temperance was worried, confused as she had felt things were great having you around, even if you still called her Joy now and then. She hadn't minded. Seeley however was prepared to put together a man hunt until Lance told him it was unnecessary. He knew where you would be.

He approached where you stood on looking out at Lake Anne, Seeley and Temperance on their way. He put his hands in the pockets of his black slacks, standing next to you.

"How did you know I'd be here?" You asked after a few moments.

"You described it to me. I looked online and knew this was what you described." He turned his head to look at you as you stared at the water. "They're on their way."

You nodded slowly.

"Why did you come here?"

You met his gaze, a small smile forming on your lips and it unsettled him, as your eyes were dark with defeat. "While I normally like the way you know me so well," You took out a gun you had hidden under your jacket. "you really shouldn't have followed me, Lance."

"You don't have to do this." He heard Seeley and Temperance calling for him, and knew they were close by. "The pain you are experiencing will fade. You won't always feel like this. I promise. I can help you."

You placed a hand on his jacket, straightening the lapels, and sending him a smile. "Somewhere out there is someone who deserves it. But I'll never be them."

You held his gaze for a moment before taking him off-guard, kissing him, and suddenly everything else faded away. The yells got quieter, the sounds of birds sounded further away, and all he could feel was you.

And after a week of denying it, he knew his feelings for you were compromising his role as your therapist. That's why he hadn't seen the signs. He was too busy daydreaming. But in that moment his feelings gave him the adrenaline to save you.

He grabbed the gun from your hand and when you tried to knock him down the gun went off and he threw the weapon into the water. You scrambled to your feet, lips parting in shock as Seeley and Temperance arrived.

"What happened?"

You got to your feet, holding Lance's gaze, "You'll regret that."

"What are you doing out here?" Seeley spoke up. "You know what I have to do?"

You turned so your back was to Lance, smirking at the FBI agent, "You can try."

"Don't fight him." Lance moved closer until his chest was against your back, lowering his voice. "If not for yourself then for her."

You looked at Temperance, and Lance added, "And for me." You turned to meet his gaze and his eyes were pleading with you to go quietly.

You swallowed thickly, nodding before looking at Seeley. You stepped forward with your hands held out, wrists together as you smirked. "Take me to your leader."

He shook his head, handcuffing you and escorted you down towards the trek to the car. You looked at Lance who stayed behind to speak to Temperance, whose frown deepened as he spoke. His eyes met yours briefly before you looked away.

That kiss had changed everything.

A kiss goodbye became a kiss marking the fresh start you were granted. You wanted your own space and so you got an apartment to spend the rest of your years house arrest in, and Lance continued to visit daily.

A week later, you opened the door to allow him inside, he sent you a smile as he entered, seeing the furniture. He looked at you with a questioning glance and you shrugged, smirking as you headed to the kitchen.

"Is blackmail illegal?"

"Yes."

"Then it certainly wasn't that."

He shook his head, his lips lifting at the sound of your laughter, following you to the kitchen. You cooked at the stove and he fetched ingredients for you. That night you spoke at the dining table, discussing the case after your usual session and he knew you were working to find out who the killer was before Booth. It had happened before, proven by Temperance, much to the FBI agents chagrin.

Lance looked at the meal for a moment, and your smile faltered when you saw his expression. It was usually followed by unpleasant news.

"What? Is it the pasta?"

He shook his head, sighing as he sat straighter in his chair. "I have requested that you see another therapist. My judgment has become compromised, and I know you no longer feel able to speak as freely in consideration for my feelings. I am not able to be there for you in a professional capacity."

"I don't want anyone else." You told him. "If you go through with it, I'll kill them."

He knew you would if you wanted to, but he knew from the smirk on your lips you were joking. You had a dark sense of humour, one that made people uneasy, unsure if you were being threatening, but Lance had spent a hour with you every day for over a month and he had spent weeks learning the signs.

"Our professional relationship has become compromised. But don't worry, the doctor I requested is highly recommended."

You frowned, setting your fork on the plate. "So, this is goodbye?"

Lance knew the sound advice would be to stay away. But he knew he couldn't.

"I can still visit if you want me to."

You nodded, "I'd like that. Tempie is busy with work, I know she feels guilty about not seeing me as often. But I needed the distance. All this time wasted when I should have looked harder."

Lance shook his head, "You didn't know." He said. "But now that you do, you can be there for each other."

You sent him a small smile, "If you don't visit me I will break into your apartment."

Lance chuckled, and you continued eating. He left shortly after and you were left alone again, the apartment seeming so much bigger when he was gone.

Two months went by and Lance visited every few days, asking you about your sessions with the experienced therapist who worked over three decades in the field. You were more free now that the professional side of your relationship was gone and it wasn't uncommon that you cooked dinner, shared a bottle of wine as you caught up on each other's lives.

Lance arrived one evening as your therapist left, and he was pulled aside, warned that his presence was affecting your progress, and so he left without knocking on the door. You were upset that he hadn't explained, and when Temperance heard she confronted him in Seeley's office.

He was outside your apartment within the hour.

You ignored the sounds of him knocking on the door, stretching on the yoga mat, listening to his explanation through the door. You understood why his colleague had spoken to him, as your answer to how you felt about Lance had him very thoughtful for the remainder of your session.

"If I kill him, will you talk to me again?" You shouted across the room.

Lance was silent, before speaking a few moments later. "I can ignore his advice. But it would be -"

The door opened and you grinned as you pulled him inside. "Great! Coffee?"

He nodded, exhaling when you released his tie. You flattened out his tie and he held his breath when you tightened it slightly. "Don't ever avoid me." Your eyes held the vulnerability you were unable to explain. You had felt abandoned, and he regretted leaving your life without an explanation.

"I won't." He put his hands on your arms, holding your gaze as he made this promise and you smile but it wasn't as bright as it usually was, before leaving to the kitchen to brew coffee.

And Lance knew there was no turning back. He couldn't put himself, or you, through it again. He was already in too deep, the distance only serving to strengthen his feelings.

The next day he was informed that your therapist had decided that you go into a secure unit, but Lance fought that decision, keeping you in your studio apartment. You would never go quietly and he knew the best place for you to be was around family. Kyle visited more often and Temperance had invited you to dinner one night every week.

Time went by slowly when you were alone, but the next five months seemed to blaze by and your house arrest was lifted. You got a waitressing job and it became the place were everyone on the team went for coffee or lunch together.

You approached their table with a tray of beverages, and Lance knew from the smirk aimed at Seeley that it was going to be a lunch filled with mischief. You had seen how he felt about Temperance, and took it upon yourself to prank him now and then much to her amusement.

"And plain black coffee." You set the mug in front of him and he thanked you. You glanced at the mug then at the FBI agent who raised an eyebrow. He eyed the mug warily when you walked away and when you returned with their lunches, he was hesitant. The last time you smirked at him he had eaten a Carolina Reaper in his sandwich.

"How is everything?" You asked ten minutes later, checking in with them after tending to other customers.

"This is really good." Seeley spoke up and your smirk returned.

"Is it? Interesting." You pretended to write on your notebook as you walked away, leaving Seeley fearing what he had eaten.

"She is messing with you." Cam assured him.

Seeley examined his sandwich before setting it aside. "I'm not that hungry."

As they were paying, he loosened his tie and looked over at you as you gave Jack change for the bills he had given.

"What was in that sandwich?"

You acted innocent. "Nothing. Meat and cheese."

He groaned, knowing you would never admit to tampering or not tampering with it, and left, grumbling about eating somewhere else as he always did.

You smirked as he opened the door, calling out, "You may want to stop by the hospital!"

"Will you ever stop?" Temperance asked.

You shook your head, closing the cash register. "It's too entertaining."

"I second that." Jack chimed in, before leaving with Temperance who shook her head.

Lance stayed behind while the others left and you sent him a smile. "Don't worry, I put a little extra pepper on it. That's all."

He shook his head, "Do you want a ride home? I have some time."

You checked the clock before nodding, thanking him before going to get your jacket. The café was open all night, and you worked the graveyard shift, but four hours longer than the others so you could see your sister while she was working. And since it was close to the Bureau you frequently saw Lance every morning, his coffee prepared for his arrival.

He drove you to your apartment and you glanced at him now and then, wondering how to bring up the topic you had avoided for a week. "I'm moving."

He was taken back, but quickly found his words. "Where?"

You named the street and Lance knew it was farther away. Temperance would see you less, as would he, and the thought of not seeing you every morning before work, or when he was heading home, made him swallow down the prickle of heartache that was rapidly growing.

"That's...far away." He said.

"I have tonight off to see it one more time before I start moving in. Can you come with me?" You asked.

Lance nodded, "Sure. I'll drive."

You thanked him as he pulled up outside your apartment complex and you went inside, sending him a smile over your shoulder that took his breath away.

Seeley was the first to notice how Lance felt about you. The psychologist had tried to mystify your identity when he confided in him, but Booth knew all along that he was referring to you. Jack was the second to notice, and made remarks now and then during cases when you weren't around. Although he was comfortable in the presence of a former-assassin, he knew you could quickly switch back into who you were if provoked. Temperance was the last to know, and only realised when Booth had stated that Lance had feelings for you, hence his distance professionally.

And after nearly a year, he still kept his true feelings hidden from you, despite both Jack and Seeley suggesting to fight his fears and ask you out.

That night as he looked around the three bedroom house, Lance knew he couldn't try to convince you to keep your waitressing job for selfish reasons. It was a quiet neighbourhood where you could get away. The neighbours were friendly, and he didn't rush to correct the elderly couple when they mistook you both for a couple.

The one hour drive back to your apartment was spent in contemplative silence, though you hadn't minded. Although you were dying to know what he was thinking. When he parked outside you took off your seatbelt and turned to him. "We'll still see each other won't we?"

Lance nodded, although he knew it would be not as frequently. "Of course. And you have my number."

You nodded, smiling softly. "I wouldn't be here, with Tempie, if it wasn't for you. And I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me."

"It was noth-"

He fell silent when your lips grazed his, and his hand rose to your cheek when you kissed him. You leaned into his chest as your lips moulded tenderly, growing in passion and urgency until you pulled away.

"D-Do you want to have a drink? With me, I mean. A drink with -" You nodded, and he nodded, "Okay, great!" He kissed you and you smiled into the kiss, resting your forehead against his moments later when you pulled away.

"Your place or mine?" You asked.

"Mine." He replied. "I'll cook this time. Wednesday at seven thirty?"

You bit the inside of your cheek, a smile on your lips. "Perfect." You placed a chaste kiss on his lips before exiting the car and Lance held the steering wheel, exhaling his sudden burst of excitement, looking out the window, meeting your gaze as you smiled and waved. He returned the wave, waiting until you were inside before a grin took over his features.

He had a date.

It had been two weeks since that night and you had spent the rest of the night at his place. Lance looked up at the suburban house that you had spent a whole night in on two occasions, but never alone. He looked at the bottle of wine as he knocked on the door, a smile forming on his lips when you opened the door.

"Hi." You greeted, kissing his cheek. "Come on in."

You led him to the living room where Cam, Angela, Jack, Seeley and Temperance were sitting, the dining table filled with housewarming gifts.

The team had been busy with cases so after owning the house for two weeks, through means Lance and even Seeley refused to think about, you were finally having a housewarming party.

You entered the kitchen and he handed you the bottle of wine. You thanked him with a smile, tugging on his tie to bring him closer.

Lance looked over his shoulder, not wanting anyone to see, especially not Bones who he knew was frightening when riled up.

"You snuck out this morning." You tightened his tie slightly and he chuckled, remembering sleeping through his alarm, and rushing to his house then to work, arriving an hour late. "You should make it up to me."

"I will." He smiled, placing a hand on your cheek. "I promise."

You smiled when he leaned in, closing your eyes as his lips met yours. You wrapped your arms around his neck as he placed his arms around your waist, bringing you closer.

"Hey, this is cute an' all but I need a refill!" Angela called out.

You shook your head when you pulled away and met his gaze as you laughed. You picked up the bottle of wine and headed into the living room. Lance occupied the armchair Jack had been sitting on until he moved to the floor, and you smirked when you saw his cheeks darken when you sat on his lap.

"You're dating?"

You were relieved Temperance had several drinks at this point, knowing in the morning you both would receive a lecture. You smiled, nodding at your sister, resting your cheek on his hair, ending his stammering.

Jack explained that he already knew, which led to money being exchanged and you shook your head as you met Lance's gaze. Your features softened when you saw the smile on his lips and leaned in when he placed a hand on your cheek, meeting him halfway, closing your eyes as your lips met.

"Do I need to buy a water pistol for you two?" Cam cut in and Lance pulled away.

"No, ma'am. I mean -"

You covered his mouth with your hand, seeing Cam's annoyed expression at his slip up. "Cam." You reminded him. You had seen first hand what happened when someone referred to her as ma'am and it wasn't pretty.

Lance sent you a grateful glance and placed an arm around your waist, looking down at you a few minutes later as you both sat on the edge, observing the others as they spoke. You felt his stare and sent him a smile, kissing his cheek.

You had come a long way in one year. And you knew it was all because of his love for you that you survived it. His guidance and support, everything you needed to make it through the guilt, the pain, and acceptance of your past, in order to move forward.

You knew there was only one way to describe it.

"I love you." You whispered.

He looked at you in surprise, a smile quickly forming on his lips at the confession. "I love you too."

#lance sweets #lance sweets x reader #bones