A Random Peanut

the baby gurgles and the noise must alarm you because he watches as your brows narrow dangerously low and close in concentration and you gently pat the infant's back, cooing words of adoration in their ear at a high pitch that sends johnny flying right back into outer space.

he sees you, a home forever, a little army of kids that share your kind eyes and johnny's blonde hair, maybe a fusion if your smiles- though he hopes they mainly take after you. he sees sunday mornings in bed, playdates with his little girls with matching tiaras and teacups, he sees movie night with four instead of two, he sees the whole damn world where you stand at the very centre of it.

"you're such a natural, look reed," sue calls her husband over with excitement. reed abandons his male counterparts and comes to her side immediately, as she leans into his hold and sighs out in relief, "she's a baby whisperer," sue whispers in awe, slight fear of ruining her child's rare moment of peace lingering in the air. the world spins lightly but johnny is still heaven struck in his spot opposite you.

"literally an angel, heaven sent above," reed commends and you flush under their praise. being liked by johnny's family was something you took so seriously and you took pride in the efforts its taken for you to feel like one of them. "you know, if you ever want to watch him, please do," reed asks slyly and sue elbows him in return, shooting you a look of apology then leaning in close and murmuring.

"no seriously, please do. lord knows i haven't had some time to even sleep lately," she rubs at her temples and you smile in understanding.

"if you guys ever need help, i'm here," you offer, "honestly, whenever, such a cute little guy, how could anyone ever say no?" you gush, tickling his nose and your lover arrives at your side in an instant.

"you better be talking about me," he scoffs but abandons his persona once he sets eyes on his nephew, coo'ing and booping his nose gently. he comes from behind you, wrapping his arms around your middle, mindful of the baby at your side and rests his head on your opposite shoulder.

"johnny boy has competition," ben teases and johnny flips him off away from the baby's line of view.

there's an overlap of johnny's confident "please, you think i can't take him?" and your high pitched baby voice tickling their soft skin with a "there's no competition, this little fella takes it all, don't you? aw" and johnny pulls back in feign outrage, gasping at your so obvious favouritism.

"what?" you smile at him and its enough to heat his blood and melt him to liquid jelly, he's momentarily stunned by your beauty that you bite back the growing laughter, "johnny?" and you wave your free hand in his face.

"mine next please," is all he mumbles, it's half coherent through his drooling mouth and fixed intensity on you that when you hand susan back her child and turn to your boyfriend you place your hands on his heart; searching for his soft thuddering chest and bringing him back to planet earth.

"what?" you stutter, and he has the gall to look confused.

"what?" he echoes.

"what do you mean what?" you press urgently, sure of what you're heard but maybe it's the delusion talking. it very much well could be-

"what do you mean what?"

"oh my god, john- do you know what you just said?" your heart pounds in your chest. each vessel begs for attention, for blood flow to your muscles, pumping all around you and it roars in your ears. you've talked about marriage, you've just about moved in together but kids? kids is a whole different ballpark.

"i want your children- or ours? they'd be ours right?" he asks and you let out a low breath.

"yes johnny, my love but," you pause, bringing your hands to his shoulders and grounding him. "children are little humans, they're not toys-"

"i'm not stupid," he rolls his eyes, "i know you'd look hot pregnant babe, and pregnant with my kid?" he exclaims excitedly and you stare at him. "honey, at some point we are going to have some right?" he meets your patient gaze, as your thoughts try to catch up and align with what you're hearing.

"you've never asked me!" you almost shout.

"i thought it was a given!" he returns, "do you not want my kids-"

"of course i do!" the words leave you quickly with a strong confidence to them, "you just don't mean right now right?" you double check. he sticks his tongue in his cheek in thought, tapping his feet to the ground and hums. its torturous and he does it just to rile you up as you wait patiently. he leans in close, lips brushing the shell of your ear and you close your eyes, soaking in the nearness of him

"i mean if you want to leave early, go home, we could start putting in the work today," its a dangerous tease and when you start to think about it, he knows he has you trapped. you bite your lip and he watches how it drags between your teeth in slow motion and a glint of mischief shines in those beautiful blue eyes of his. he presses a soft touch of a kiss in the corner where your jaw meets your ear, then one lower and catches the bottom of your lobe between his teeth.

"johnny," you mumble, "your family are here," you warn.

"so we leave," he shrugs, "we make one of our own," and the words slip so easily from his lips.

"we're doing things in the wrong order," you break apart and face him. he scoffs,

"fuck the order- i'll marry you and make love to you tonight- two for the price of one," he nods determined and a laughter so loud and bright as the universe bubbles out of you and johnny's world slows to a stop.

"i'm serious sweetheart," he presses your forehead to yours, "i'm all fucking in, and we only do this if you want it," he swears.

"i do want this, but maybe not a child tonight johnny," you admit, "one day, just not today," and he hums in agreement.

"as long as i still get laid tonight," he grins cheekily and its your turn to elbow your lover. he grabs your elbow immediately, lifts you from the ground and twirls you around before wrapping you in a hug where he rests his head in the space above your shoulder- a perfect fit.

"they're good for each other," sue stares fondly at her brother and you, estatic that he's been able to find someone who grounds him, drives him insane and keeps him happy. it's all she's ever wanted; she found her reed and johnny had found you. reed kisses his wife's cheek and murmurs in agreement, family really is what you make it.

riya saying hi: ugh domesticated johnny storm sign me tf UP ‼️‼️‼️ working on a longer fic which i hopefully might get out in the next few days but other than that, i hope you like, hope you love ( i have still not seen the movie yet LOL but i am obsessed w joseph quinn so i feel like that makes up for it ) love u, have a great one wherever this finds you <3