✧ wedding bells ✧

Royalty listened to Coral with an expression that shifted between amused and sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck when she called him a loverboy. A quiet laugh slipped out of him. “Alright, alright,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender. “Maybe a little smitten.” His mouth curved into a grin. “Don’t go spreading that around though, I’ve got a rep to protect." His eyes dropped to Celeste as she clapped enthusiastically, the sound tiny but determined. The sight made his grin soften instantly. “Oh yeah?” Royalty said, leaning forward slightly as if addressing her directly. “You backing me up, huh, my little hype girl." When Coral joked that the baby was supporting him being smitten, he placed a hand dramatically over his chest. “That’s a lot of responsibility for someone who just learned how hands work,” he teased. “But I appreciate the support, little one. I'll promise not to let you down." At the mention of Casey and Celeste coming with their own terms and conditions, he laughed again, shaking his head. “I believe it,” Royalty said. “Casey alone feels like a whole instruction manual in one. Throw in the baby too and I feel like I’d need a training course to get use to it all." He nudged Coral’s shoulder back when she bumped him, smiling fondly as he watched her help Celeste clap again. “And don’t worry,” he added, pointing a finger at her. “You’ll absolutely get a full update. Popcorn, commentary, the whole thing. Might even be a recap of my most embarrassing moments too." When the conversation softened again, his expression followed. Royalty leaned his forearms on his knees, listening carefully as Coral talked about Celeste growing up without being boxed into anything. “Yeah,” he said quietly, nodding. “That’s exactly how it should be.” He glanced down at Celeste again, his smile returning when Coral spoke to her. When the baby started whining and twisting to get down, he chuckled, pushing himself up from where he was sitting. “Nah, you’re good,” he assured her. “You guys don’t have to rush out on my account.” He glanced at Celeste again before looking back to Coral with a small, appreciative smile. He glanced between the two of them before gesturing toward the kitchen. “But at least let me fix you both with a snack before you go,” Royalty added. “What do you want, chocolate? biscuits? crisps?” His smile widened slightly as he looked down at Celeste. “And don’t worry,” he added playfully, “I’m sure we can find something she might like too."

"it’s a lot of responsibility, but she just learned how to clap to support you, which is a big step for the gay community," she joked, laughing at herself. celeste kept clapping for a while until she got bored, still clearly very proud of her new skill. "don’t let her down, she’ll want to know her uncle is having a good time," she added with a smile. "yeah, he does, but you’ll probably do great, you have your sister," she pointed out, "and if she has as much energy as casey’s mom says she does… you’d survive celeste just fine," she laughed. she really liked nevaeh, she was funny, easy to talk to, and the fact that she got along so well with casey was an instant green flag for coral. "i love that i’m going to get all the details," she added, this time clapping her own hands playfully. when celeste got tired of sitting and started whining and wiggling for coral to put her down, the blonde smiled and gently set her on the floor. her smile lingered as royalty insisted on giving them a snack before they left. "i think i’m in the mood for some crisps," she nodded, getting up from the couch. "she’ll eat anything you give her, she’s not picky at all," she assured, "when she started crawling, she put everything she found in her mouth, i’m honestly surprised she never got sick," she laughed, shaking her head. "but if not, i might have a little bag of puffed grain snacks somewhere in my bag, you always need fuel for that little machine, imagine if she ran out of energy," she joked, glancing at her daughter running around, giggling and bouncing. "thanks for the update, i really needed it," she added with a small smile.

Casey watched Celeste sprint toward them with a wide grin, his chest warming at how excited she looked. “Yeah, that’s definitely our kid,” he murmured, shaking his head with a grin. When Coral leaned over to kiss his cheek and teased about his energy, he laughed, brushing a hand over his own hair. “You don’t know the half of it,” he said, winking at her. He glanced down at Coral as she repeated the plan. He smiled at the memory, eyes soft as Coral laughed at him. His hand ruffled Celeste's hair lightly. When Coral joked that their daughter could climb a building if they let her, Casey nodded, still smiling. “Absolutely no doubt in my mind,” he said, gently squeezing Coral’s hand as they walked toward the exit. Casey’s eyes softened as he watched Celeste grab the pouch with both hands, already bouncing excitedly as she tried to drink from it without spilling a drop. “Yeah, yeah, I got her,” he said with a grin, kneeling slightly before scooping her up onto his hip effortlessly. She wriggled a little, giggling, but he held her securely, one hand supporting her back. “Drink slowly, princess” he murmured, his voice warm, amused. He glanced at Coral, who was smiling fondly, and chuckled. “You know she’s going to wear us out before we even make it to the park, right?” Then, leaning down just enough, he pressed his face gently against Celeste’s, scrunching his nose against hers and making her giggle even harder. “You’re just like your daddy, huh?” he whispered to her, nuzzling softly. A soft laugh escaped him, and he shook his head with genuine admiration. “Your mommy’s got the patience of a saint looking after the both of us and somehow making it look like the easiest thing in the world."

if coral loved something, it was their afternoons together, and friday was definitely her favourite day. as casey picked celeste up so she wouldn’t fall while drinking from her yogurt pouch, coral smiled softly, she loved all that energy, loved how their daughter was basically a tiny version of him, it was too cute. she laughed as casey leaned in closer to celeste, making her giggle in his arms. "her mother loves you two more than anything in her life, and she can handle all that energy because of it," she said fondly, letting out a soft sigh as she pulled out her phone and snapped a picture of them, just another one for the growing collection of her two favourite people. she kept walking beside them before guiding them toward a patch of grass, pulling out the blanket she had brought and spreading it on the ground. she was the first to drop down onto it, tapping the spot next to her as she rummaged through the bag. "c’mon, i need you two over here with me," she laughed. she pulled out some washed strawberries, a diced apple for celeste, and a couple of muffins, setting everything out neatly. "i think this is more than enough, if not we won’t have dinner later," she added with a small smile.

"Sounds fun. I think she'd love that." Casey had been mid-thought, something overly ambitious involving the park, ice cream, and maybe building a blanket fort at home later, when Celeste came barreling toward them. He immediately dropped one arm from Coral to crouch, arms wide. “There she is!” he laughed as Celeste squeezed between them. He pressed an exaggerated kiss to the top of her head. “Whoa! Slow down, princess,” he laughed, brushing her blonde hair out of her face. “You make Daddy look low energy with all that running. And that is saying something.” When Coral asked about the plan, Casey straightened up, still holding Celeste’s hand and swinging it lightly. His brain fired in five directions at once, but he grinned anyway. “Okay, hear me out. Park first. We let this one,"- he gently booped Celeste’s nose—“burn off approximately a thousand percent of her energy. Then dinner. Somewhere with fries. And maybe crayons. Very important criteria.” He glanced down at Celeste. “You thinking swings? Or are we climbing everything in sight today?” Then he looked back at Coral, squeezing her hand with a warm, boyish smile. “Yeah. Let’s go. Friday family adventure officially starts now.” He leaned his head gently against Coral's smiling down at their daughter. “How did we make the prettiest human being alive?” he murmured, genuinely awed. Then he tilted his head slightly toward Coral. “Actually, scratch that. She gets it from her mama. I was just lucky enough to be involved.” He kissed Coral’s temple without missing a beat, still grinning. “Those eyes? Grandma Owens. That smile? Definitely yours. The chaotic sprinting through public spaces?” He tapped his chest. “Okay, fine. That part’s me.”

coral loved her loud, energetic little family more than anything; she’d never been this happy before. seeing celeste sprint toward them made her heart swell instantly. “she literally can’t slow down, it’s impossible,” she chuckled as the teacher laughed and handed over the toddler’s tiny backpack. “oh don’t worry,” coral added, leaning over to kiss casey’s cheek, “you don’t look like you’ve got any less energy either.” when he mentioned the plan again, she nodded like she was mentally preparing herself. “park first,” she repeated. “and yeah, we definitely need something with both—painting and snacks—but we should paint first or we’ll end up confusing the crayons for chips again.” she laughed softly. “last time we tried multitasking we got an oily picture and a crayon covered in blue chip dust, remember?” she glanced down at celeste. “right, baby?” “i want chips,” the little girl suddenly declared, stopping just to bounce in place. coral raised her eyebrows. “chips it is—easy decision.” holding casey’s hand as they walked, she smiled fondly. “i swear she could climb a building if we let her.” as they headed out of the school, she looked down at celeste again, but casey’s little rant about their daughter stopped her from answering right away. coral grinned. “perfect description,” she agreed warmly. “she’s the perfect mix of both of us.” after a second she glanced between them. “do we think she can walk and eat?” she wondered aloud, already letting go of casey’s hand to dig through her bag until she found a fruit purée pouch. “baby, do you want a snack?” she asked—knowing the answer already. she twisted the cap open and handed it to celeste, who grabbed it with both hands immediately. coral laughed softly and looked over at casey. “okay, pick her up before she faceplants while drinking that.”

Royalty didn’t even try to hide his grin as Coral started squealing. He shook his head, laughing under his breath while Celeste clapped along, clearly pleased with herself. “Don’t gas me up too much,” Royalty teased, though the warmth creeping into his cheeks gave him away. “I’m not smitten.” He paused. “…Okay, maybe a little.” His eyes softened watching Coral kiss Celeste’s hair, something tender flickering across his expression. “That clap thing is elite parenting, by the way,” he added, nodding toward the baby. “She's a little hype lady now, huh?" At the mention of Benji facing Nevaeh’s rapid-fire interrogation, Royalty laughed outright. “See, that’s exactly what I told him. I said, ‘You think you’re prepared, but you’re not.’” He lifted a brow playfully. “I might actually bring popcorn.” When Coral talked about giving Celeste space to become whoever she wanted, Royalty’s expression shifted, softer, thoughtful. He watched his best friend with a quiet kind of admiration. “You’re already doing it,” he said gently. “She’s going to grow up knowing she can be anything because you never boxed her in.” Royalty huffed a small laugh, trying, and failing, to play it cool. “You make it sound so dramatic.” But his smile betrayed him. It wasn’t dramatic. It was real. When Coral leaned against his shoulder, Royalty let her, bumping her lightly in return. “If he melts, I’m blaming you,” he added playfully. “But yeah, I think you’re right.” He gaze lifted again, steady now. “I am in love,” he admitted, finally owning it. “He should know how I feel, right?” he said, voice steadying. “That way he’ll know he’s got a safe space with me. No guessing. No second-guessing. Just something solid.”

coral’s eyebrows lifted when he said he wasn’t smitten—only for him to correct himself a second later. she smiled warmly. “you can be smitten, you know. there’s nothing wrong with that,” she assured him. “you’re a loverboy, and that’s a good thing.” she glanced down as celeste kept clapping enthusiastically, fascinated by her own hands. coral chuckled softly. “of course, we all need some baby claps from time to time. she’s clearly supporting you being smitten over your new boyfriend—you should feel honored.” she winked playfully. “that’s the plan anyway. she’ll grow up supporting uncle royalty’s rights and wrongs.” when the conversation shifted to casey and celeste, coral laughed lightly. “trust me, you can’t really prepare for them. they come with their own terms and conditions. eventually you get used to it, but at first it’s like—wow, that’s a lot happening all at once.” she grinned fondly; she wouldn’t change her boyfriend for anything. “and yes, popcorn is absolutely required. i’m going to need a full update on how that goes,” she added. when the topic turned more serious, coral’s expression softened. she had never planned to tell celeste who she had to be or who she should love—that would always belong to her daughter. “that’s always been the idea,” coral nodded. “honestly, casey and i never even had a big conversation about it. we both just knew we weren’t going to box her into anything.” she bumped shoulders back when royalty nudged her, laughing. “of course you are,” she said as she gently held celeste’s little wrists, helping her clap again. “and hey… if he’s still in the closet, maybe hearing how you feel could actually help him,” she added gently. “might make him feel a little braver.” she looked down at the baby again. “celeste,” coral called softly. the little girl turned her head. “uncle royalty deserves to be happy, right?” coral chuckled when celeste just stared at her. “that’s a yes. i can read my baby’s mind.” right on cue, celeste started whining, twisting in coral’s hands as she tried to get down to the floor. coral laughed. “okay—sitting time is officially over.” she looked back at royalty. “and hey, if you need us to leave at any point, just say it. we’ll probably have to head home soon anyway and get her something proper to eat.”

Royalty laughed softly, shaking his head as Coral talked, that easy smile settling on his face. “Yeah,” he said, voice warm and a little bashful, “that’s exactly it. Like I could be anywhere, but I’d still rather be wherever Benji is.” He listened as she talked about Casey, nodding along, clearly getting it. "I'm still learning but I'm down to learn. He's interesting enough to want to get to know as something more." At the mention of Nevaeh, he laughed again. “Oh, trust me, Benji’s been warned. Repeatedly,” he teased. “I think they will get along though. The two are both opposites but she's kind and he's got a nice heart." He hoped they would make friends one day soon. It'd be nice to have a get together at the same time. When she handed his phone back, he rolled his eyes playfully. “Okay, but don’t encourage me,” he joked. He smiled at Coral’s last words, touched. “That’s all I want too, for her to feel loved and safe. Royalty smiled at that, nodding gently. “Celeste’s got good parents who’ll keep her grounded and honestly, that’s what matters most. Everything else, she’ll figure out in her own time.” Royalty glanced down at his phone, and when the lockscreen lit up, he let out a soft laugh. He pressed a hand to his chest, smiling to himself as he took in the picture of his boyfriend. “Ah, damn,” he murmured fondly, shaking his head. “He’s so fucking cute. I didn't realise I would be this much in my feels with him."

coral looked at her best friend with a wide grin. “that’s so cute, ah!” she squealed. “you sound so smitten it’s insane, i love it.” she clapped excitedly, which immediately made celeste clap too, and coral laughed. “see? coolest trick ever,” she said proudly before leaning down to press a kiss to the baby’s hair. when royalty mentioned warning benji about his sister, coral smiled knowingly. nevaeh and casey had been chaos in matching sneakers since they were kids, so she could only imagine the energy benji was about to experience. “oh, she’s super nice,” coral assured with a soft chuckle, “but yeah… he better stretch beforehand. the questions come fast and there’s no commercial breaks.” at the praise about her parents giving her space to figure life out, coral’s smile softened. “that’s the dream,” she said gently. “let this little princess be whoever she wants, do whatever she wants… just preferably far, far away from sharp objects.” she poked celeste’s sides lightly. “right, baby?” the tiny giggle that followed made her beam. then she turned back to her best friend, eyes warm. “you’re in love, my man,” she nodded knowingly. “and i am so ridiculously happy for you.” she leaned her head against her shoulder affectionately. “you have to tell him how you feel. if he’s the softie i’m picturing, he’s going to absolutely melt.”

What followed didn’t need words. Casey leaned back into her space with intent, the kind that left no room for doubt. Any teasing grin he’d worn earlier faded into focus, confidence taking over as he went to work like he’d been promised something and planned to collect. Time blurred after that. By the time it was over, Casey was breathing hard, chest rising and falling as he rolled onto his side, one arm draped lazily as if he didn’t have the energy to move it yet. Sweat clung to his skin, long hair damp again, a satisfied exhale leaving him as he stared up at the ceiling. “Damn,” he finally breathed, half-laughing, still catching his breath. “You made me work for that."

coral had always known exactly which buttons to press, which words to murmur, which silences to stretch just long enough for casey to follow her wherever she wanted to lead, and she loved that about them—how easily they fell into that rhythm, how a simple challenge could spiral into tangled sheets, messy hair, and breathless laughter. when he rolled onto his side to look at her, she smiled softly and shifted closer, resting her head against his chest, her hand sliding lazily over his abs while she caught her breath. “you know i always do,” she murmured, pressing a light kiss to his skin before glancing up at him. “but i think we made a pretty good mess,” she teased, a satisfied grin tugging at her lips. “guess we had a lot of tension built up.” her fingers traced idle patterns as she studied him. “you look exhausted. casey, you’re so out of shape,” she joked lightly. “maybe grandma needs to watch celeste more often so you don’t forget how this works.” she leaned in to kiss him again, softer this time. “i love you more than anything,” she said quietly, sincerity slipping through the teasing tone. then her eyes sparkled with mischief. “and even if you lose your practice tomorrow, i hope you’re proud of your performance tonight… because i might need to buy a pregnancy test soon.” she propped herself up on her forearm so she could properly see his reaction, a playful challenge in her gaze. “so,” she smirked, brushing her thumb along his jaw, “are you ready to face the consequences of this mess?”

Royalty laughed easily along with her, the kind that came from his chest. “Three might actually be the right number,” he grinned. “You've got the perfect little family but I don't know how you deal with all that energy bundled into two of your favourite people at the same time." At the story about the puddle, he winced dramatically before laughing. “Okay, okay, I take it back,” he said, holding up his hands. “That’s funny but also a little gross." Her comparison made him laugh harder. “Tiny Casey energy? Yeah, I can see it already. That look of pure confidence while doing something wildly unhinged.” He softened a little then. “You’re doing an incredible job though, Coral. Even when it’s messy. Everyone can see that you're a great mom." When she mentioned the early days of a relationship, his smile turned fond. “It really is like that,” he agreed. “Everything feels electric at the start. I’m trying to enjoy it without rushing through it.” At the comment about Nevaeh, he laughed again. “Oh, absolutely. No one’s safe from her curiosity. I'l need to warn Benji before she along and scares the hell out of him with all her questions that need answering." As she took his phone, he didn’t protest—just watched, amused, as she scrolled. “Hey, don’t expose me like that,” he joked, shaking his head. “Listen, if you’ve got it, you’ve got it,” he said with a shrug. Then, more sincerely, “But yeah—he’s special." Royalty’s gaze shifted naturally—from Coral, to Celeste in her arms, then back again—his smile softening in a way that felt unguarded. He chuckled quietly. “Right?” he said, easy confidence laced with warmth. “He’s cute. Definitely my type.” He glanced at Celeste again, amused, then added with a playful hum, “I do wonder what her type will be one day. Way, way in the far future,” he emphasised lightly, grinning. “Something tells me she’s going to have opinions. Strong ones. I wonder if she'll be into blondes, brunettes, tall people, short people —athletic build or not. I feel like she’s gonna surprise us all.”

coral looked at her best friend with a smile on her lips. “yeah, that’s how it’s supposed to feel, electric in a way that makes you want to be around him all the time no matter what,” coral smiled, genuinely happy that royalty had found his person, the boy who made him smile and look so happy. she remembered when she met casey at that wedding, how the world seemed to stop and she wanted it to stay that way, how everything felt brighter when he was around, when all she wanted was for him to text her. in a way they had changed, the passion was still there, the longing to be together remained, but it had blossomed into something deeper than that honeymoon phase. “just enjoy it, it’s really nice, it turns into something better, but the first months? ugh, you learn a lot of things from your boyfriend, for sure,” she chuckled softly. when he mentioned having to warn benji about nevaeh she laughed. “oh, you definitely have to, she has a lot of energy, i do know,” she chuckled, knowing how close casey and nevaeh were, how long they’d known each other. her attention shifted back to his photos and she laughed at his words. “of course, if i looked this good, i’d take all those shirtless pictures and more,” she promised, handing him back his phone before wrapping her arms around the baby. “he’s your type for sure,” she assured. coral leaned down to kiss celeste’s blonde hair. “i don’t know,” she mused, “oh, she’s going to have opinions for sure,” she nodded, “of course she’s going to surprise us, she’s casey’s daughter,” coral laughed. “all i want is for her to find the person who makes her feel loved and safe, the same way you feel when you’re with benji,” she nodded.

"Touche. I'll give you rest breaks to catch your breath and get snacks." Casey nearly short-circuited at her teasing—heat rushing up his neck, a breathless laugh slipping out before he could stop it. He shook his head, eyes blown wide with want as he carried her. “Yeah? Good,” he murmured, unabashed and burning. “Because I don’t do half-measures. If I’m yours, you get all of me.” His hands steadied her, reverent and certain, like he still couldn’t believe she was real and was all of his. The second she said that word—daddy—he was gone. A sharp inhale, a muttered curse, eyes dark and locked on her like she was the only thing left in the world. At her final tease, Casey let out a shaky laugh, confidence flaring even through the flush. He leaned in close, voice rough with truth. “Oh, absolutely,” he said softly, voice thick with flirt and confidence, eyes never leaving hers. “Because when you say it like that, it feels like an invitation and a challenge both at the same damn time." He chuckled under his breath, clearly flustered but owning it. “You know exactly what you’re doing to me,” he added, tone warm and teasing, “and the fact you do it on purpose?” His grin turned dangerous. “Yeah. That’s insanely attractive as are you.” Casey lined up into the right position between her legs before starting to slowly push in. It'd been a while, too long, actually. His hands planted against the mattress either side of her head as he went slightly deeper than before. "Am I turning you on right now? Freshly showered, stark naked, and making promise after promise of making you cum all night long."

Royalty laughed, a low, easy sound that mirrored Coral’s energy perfectly. He leaned back against the couch, eyes sparkling as he listened to her chatter. “Sounds like someone’s going to need a double espresso just to keep up with this tiny little hurricane.” His grin was playful, but soft, warm—genuine fondness in every glance. Royalty leaned a little closer, matching her grin. “Cosey… it's cute, huh? It rolls off the tongue. I think I'm going to you refer to you as that as a pair." He laughed warmly at her confession about the diapers. “Not perfect?” he repeated, mock horror in his tone, though his eyes stayed soft and amused. “Trust me, disasters like that just make life more interesting. You’re doing great.” When Coral went quiet to listen to him talk about the guy on his mind, Royalty’s chest warmed. She had that way of making him feel seen, even in small moments. He smiled, leaning back, letting her excitement wash over him. "Yeah… okay, fine. I’ve got that glint you’re talking about. In love, totally. And honestly? It’s kind of amazing.” His laugh was soft, affectionate, teasing. He grinned at her warning about Nevaeh. “Got it—slow introduction. No scaring him off. I’ll take notes.” The little toddler’s tiny movements, the way she wriggled just enough to demand attention, made his chest tighten with affection. He shifted slightly, scooting closer, and rested his head gently against the top of Celeste’s, careful not to disturb her. “You’re so cute,” he murmured softly, voice warm and low, brushing his fingers lightly along her tiny arm. His lips lifted in a gentle smile as he let himself settle there, letting the quiet warmth of the moment wrap around him. Royalty held out his phone toward Coral, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “Go on my phone,” he said, voice smooth and teasing, “type in the passcode, have a look at his photos in my album.” He leaned back slightly, giving her room but watching her every move. “Just… be careful, okay?” he added, a soft laugh in his voice. “I don’t know what all the photos are going to be, and… don’t watch any videos.”

at his words coral laughed. “a double espresso? i’ll need three,” she joked, shaking her head. she loved her daughter more than words could ever explain, and she loved the constant energy that filled her home, but sometimes she knew she couldn’t quite match it, and maybe that was okay—maybe she was meant to be the calm part of their family’s equation. “cosie is cute, i like it,” she chuckled. “make life more interesting?” she scoffed. “you’ve never cleaned a puddle of pee—if you had, trust me, you wouldn’t call it interesting,” she laughed. “it was like she wanted maximum chaos; when i tried to clean her up, she just toddled away, turning back to look at me like, ‘you can’t catch me,’ and that’s when i saw casey, in tiny form,” she added, laughing again. “but hearing that from you helps,” she smiled softly. when the conversation shifted to his relationship, her expression softened. “of course it’s amazing—the first months of a relationship are so exciting. not that it goes away if it’s meant for you, but the beginning? ugh, so cute,” she smiled. “and we both know nevaeh—she’ll probably ask him his take on organic tampons whether he gets periods or not,” she laughed. watching how gentle and natural he was with celeste made her chest tighten in the best way. she took his phone. “you sent him videos? wow, i thought i was the crazy one, but i was so wrong,” she teased, snapping a quick picture of her daughter and royalty together before scrolling. “so cute—you’re making my heart melt, fucker,” she chuckled, then raised her brows as she looked through the album. “okay… royalty, that’s a lot of shirtless, but damn, he’s really cute—like, insanely cute.”

“Half time?” he echoed, voice dipping into a flirty rasp as he tried — and failed — to hide his grin. “Babe, you’re talking like I’m the one who’s gonna need the break.” But then she said it — really said it — and any joking comeback he had evaporated. When she repeated the make me a baby comment, sassier, challenging him, he let out a choked, flustered laugh. “...You can’t just drop that on me in a hallway,” he managed, running a hand through his hair, trying so hard to keep his cool despite the way his pulse spiked. “You’re actually trying to kill me.” Her smack to his ass made him flinch and laugh — a real one, flustered and delighted. By the time he laid her on the bed, his playful bravado had grown into something steadier, more certain. He leaned over her, eyes flicking to her bitten lip, and the grin that pulled at his mouth was both dangerous and boyishly nervous. “Sacrifice?” he teased, voice dropping as he braced his hands on either side of her. “You’re acting like I’m not getting the best deal in the universe here.” When she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, he melted into the space between them without a fight. Her words — greatest parents ever — hit him like a warm rush to the chest, grounding him even as they thrilled him. Then she purred that question and Casey’s composure broke entirely. His breath hitched, cheeks flushing again despite the way he tried to smirk through it. “Okay— nope, that’s it,” he said, voice cracking into a flustered laugh before he steadied it, leaning in closer. His eyes darkened, focus sharpening in a way that made the air between them feel electric. That one word had a gravity all its own — and he wasn’t about to pretend it didn’t hit him straight in the chest. “Daddy, huh?” he echoed, letting it roll off his tongue like it belonged there. His hands moved almost instinctively, bracing on either side of her as he hovered close, heart hammering, teasing and tender all at once. The flustered heat in his chest clashed with the confidence in his stance; he thrived on it, every word from her a spark he couldn’t resist. His eyes lit up. He couldn’t help the small, flustered laugh that escaped him, and he dragged his tongue over his bottom lip, a mix of teasing and disbelief written across his face. “Daddy’s got work to do,” he said, grinning, voice low and playful. “Spread your legs." He lingered there, confident yet clearly thrilled, leaning just enough to make the moment electric with charm and anticipation — all flirty, thriving, and completely caught up in her energy.

coral bit down her lower lip at his words. “oh no, i’ll be the one wanting to get a little snack in between. not everything is about you, baby,” she teased, winking at him playfully. his reaction to the baby comment was incredible, enough to have coral stopping herself from laughing. “where do you want me to drop that? you’re carrying me down the hallway,” she laughed, knowing deep down those words worked wonders on both of them. “i’m just trying to give you the best experience,” she retorted. “i know i’m getting the best deal—that’s what comes in the package with you,” she flirted, smiling back at him. that was exactly where coral wanted to be, that close to casey, her arms around him, his hands on either side of her body, murmuring soft words and making her want him to cave in the same way his words always made her melt into the mattress. coral knew what her words did to him; it was easy for her to tell when he was about to break, and using the word “daddy” worked every single time. she couldn’t help laughing at his “that’s it”—she had cracked him. his eyes darkened, and all coral could do was bite down on her lower lip. her heart raced in her chest, and she let herself enjoy the moment. her eyes met his, and she felt a whole zoo in her stomach. “he does,” she teased, opening her legs as he told her to. she lay there beneath him, content, leaning on her elbows to look at him with a devilish, teasing smirk on her lips. “does it turn you on when i call you daddy?”

He hoisted her up lightly, carrying her down the hall. "You'll last?" he questioned. Her energy was contagious, and he felt his own smile widen. "My plan isn't too make you wait out your own pleasure until we get to the last room. I want to make you come over and over." Casey froze for a heartbeat, caught off guard by her boldness. Even in the middle of a hallway dash, she had a way of making everything feel charged and alive. He laughed, shaking his head, and carried her on, already thinking about how impossible it was not to be completely captivated by her. For a heartbeat, everything stilled. The sound of her words—make me a baby, Casey Owens—hung between them, heavy and sweet, like the last drop of honey before it falls. He stopped in the middle of the hallway, Coral still slung over his shoulder. casey tilted his head, looking up at her where she dangled, her hair spilling down and brushing against his back. “Say that again,” he murmured, his voice low, the roughness in it betraying the way her words had sunk straight through him. He didn’t let her finish. "You really want that?” he asked, quieter now, almost reverent. Something inside him cracked open at that—something deeper than desire. This woman. She was home to him. The wild, unpredictable, beautiful kind of home that you never stopped wanting to come back to. He carried her the rest of the way, slow this time, every step deliberate. The playfulness was still there, simmering under the surface, but now it mixed with something quieter, heavier. He set her down on the bed. “Oh, sweetheart,” he murmured, voice dropping low, all smoke and mischief. “You say that like you don’t know what happens next.” He tilted his head, giving her that signature wink. “I can give you all my kids… just gotta let me work overtime tonight. Mm, I mean it. Every single one. Gonna make sure you feel every bit of my dedication to the cause.”

surprises were granted when she was with casey, no matter what they were doing, if it was doing chores, shopping or having some time alone, he would never cease to surprise her in the best ways. "oh, so i—wow," she chuckled, "literally speechless, we'll spend so much time doing this, i hope you plan on taking a half time to have a snack or water or something" she joked, excited about the thought of simply enjoying themselves for longer than five minutes. she noticed how he stopped in the middle of the hallway. her words had the reaction she was expecting, her words weren't only a challenge or something to turn him on, she had been thinking about it, she was ready for another baby, and she'd love a little sibling for celeste. she stayed quiet, holding her laughter. "i want you to make me a baby, casey owens" she repeated, her tone sassier as if it was a challenge. "i want everything with you, you know that" she said softly, "i would love to tell you how much i want that but it's a little difficult when i can't talk to your face, but your butt, buttface, please take us to the bed already" she mused, needy, playful, she smacked his ass. as he walked to the bed, she smiled, he placed her down and she couldn't help biting down on her lower lip. "i'm glad you're willing to sacrifice yourself for me to be happy, what a man" she smiled, her arms moving to wrap around his neck, pulling him in. "now, let's be the greatest parents ever and give celeste a little sibling" she smirked. "do you want me to repeat that sentence again or are you turned on enough, baby?" she purred, "or should i say daddy?"

Moments like this always hit a little different. Watching Coral with her baby—Celeste —was something he never quite got used to. She’d changed, softened in the most beautiful way, and yet she was still the same Coral who laughed too loud and teased him like it was a sport. He was sat on the couch, Celeste perched in front of him, tiny hands reaching for his face like he was the most fascinating thing in her world. It made him laugh every time. “She really is something,” he said, glancing up at Coral with a grin. “Got your charm already, clearly genetic.” He saw how her eyes softened when she looked at her daughter—the same warmth she used to save for late-night talks or spontaneous adventures. Now it was reserved for this tiny person who owned her whole heart. "Guess she’s got good taste,” he joked lightly, though there was real affection in his tone. “She looks at you the same way, though. Like you’re her whole world—and let’s be real, you kind of are. She's got that love sick expression that Casey gets." Her words about not being able to say no to Celeste made him laugh under his breath. “Oh, you’re doomed. That girl’s going to have you wrapped around her finger by the time she can form full sentences.” He smiled, reaching forward so Celeste could grab his finger, her tiny grip strong and determined. When Coral teased about “Cosey time,” his eyebrow lifted in mock offense. “Cosey,” he said suddenly, testing the sound of it. When Coral arched a brow at him, he laughed, gesturing between them. “Cosey—Casey and Coral, but also like cosy time, y’know?” Her mention of Grandma Owens made him laugh again. “Please, I’d pay to see that showdown. Grandma Owens versus Royalty for prime babysitting rights—winner takes cuddle duty.” He glanced between Coral and her kid, his voice softening when Coral talked about how surreal motherhood still felt. “She’s magic,” he murmured, meaning it. “And you—you’re like, annoyingly good at this. The whole mom thing suits you. You were always meant for this,” he said quietly. “You and her—yeah, that’s the kind of happy that people write songs about. Good job you date a singer, huh?" Then, when the conversation turned to him—to the guy he’d been talking to—Royalty felt that familiar mix of excitement and uncertainty stir inside. Coral’s reassurance steadied him. “ “Yeah?” he asked, smiling faintly, his thumb brushing over Celeste's hand. "I don’t know,” he started, almost like he was talking to himself. Then his eyes flicked to Coral’s, the corners of his mouth pulling into a small, nervous smile. “I know I’m guy crazy, but he’s… different.” Royalty let out a shaky laugh, shaking his head. “I think I’m falling hard for him,” he admitted, words tumbling out before he could take them back. “Like, actually falling. And that’s new for me, you know?” He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing down at Celeste, who was now grabbing onto his sleeve like she didn’t want to let go either. “I just don’t want to scare him too fast. He’s… softer than the guys I usually go for. He listens. He looks at me like I matter.”

talking to royalty was one of coral’s favourite things; he was able to match her craziness and playfulness in a way she loved. the way he knew when to be soft, gentle, or the life of the party depending on the moment was amazing, and she felt so comfortable around her best friend—she always had. “every time i look at her i see more of casey,” she said softly, “not just because of that look, i feel like she’s got so much energy bottled up in that tiny body,” she chuckled. “nothing bad about that, but when she can walk properly and talk, i feel like i’ll have a little version of my boyfriend running around our place, and i already need to babyproof it more.” she laughed. “you’re going to fight my mother-in-law to spend time with my baby? am i bad for wanting to see that?” she teased, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “yeah, it’s a cute ship name, i didn’t know people actually did that for real people, but i like it. you’re onto something, royalty.” she smiled, leaning against the couch. “cosey… i’ll tell him later,” she chuckled, looking at celeste. “annoyingly good at this? i’m constantly failing, i just don’t brag about it,” she joked. “i haven’t told casey this,” she leaned closer as if she were about to confess something awful, “i bought the wrong size diapers and, well… the princess made a mess toddling around because of me, so the house was a disaster, and i have those diapers hidden in a wardrobe—so everything is not perfect,” she laughed. she went quiet, listening to royalty talk about the guy who’d been on his mind. “you’re falling for him, that’s major,” she nodded, a smile on her lips. “when you know you love someone, it doesn’t matter if it’s new or not,” she said softly. “you have that in-love glint in your eyes,” she added, “you’re so cute, all in love—ah!” she let out an excited little scream, making celeste jump in his arms. “sorry, baby,” she whispered, kissing celeste’s head. “you’re not going to scare him, you’re so sweet and gentle; even if he’s softer, he’s not going to run away,” she promised. “he will run if you introduce him to nevaeh too soon though,” she joked, “so as long as you’re the one with him, i don’t think you need to worry about scaring him off.” she smiled, holding back another excited squeak for her daughter’s sake. “i’m so happy for you.”

Royalty couldn’t help but grin as Celeste’s laughter rang out, the sound making his chest feel light. He looked down at the little girl in his arms, her tiny hands reaching for his face with a curiosity that was almost too much to handle. “You know she’s dangerously cute, right?” he said, shaking his head in disbelief. “I think she’s got me wrapped around her finger already, and she’s not even trying.” He glanced back at Coral with a teasing smirk. “And don’t worry, I’ll let go this time. But I can promise you, if you ever need some cosey time and need a baby sitter, I’m not saying no. We’ll be out here with snacks, cartoons, and questionable dance moves. She’ll come back spoiled but in one piece and maybe a little bit sassier then she left." Celeste giggled again, as if she understood, and Royalty softened, pressing his cheek gently against her soft hair. “Seriously, though… she’s kind of magic. " He looked back at Coral, his voice dipping with genuine affection. “You know, watching you with her—it’s like… you’ve found your place. And it suits you so well.” Royalty shifted Celeste carefully in his arms, his thumb brushing over her tiny hand as she gripped his finger with surprising strength. He laughed softly under his breath, then glanced back at Coral, his expression turning a little sheepish. “You know,” he started, almost like he couldn’t hold it in anymore, “I just really like this guy. Like… a lot. He’s hot, he’s nice, and honestly? He’s kind of the opposite of me.” Royalty let out a low chuckle, shaking his head at himself. “I don’t even know how to explain it—he’s calm where I’m loud, thoughtful where I can be reckless. It’s like he evens me out without even trying.” He bounced Celeste gently as she babbled at him, his smile growing soft again. “It’s weird, though. I’ve never wanted to actually build something with someone before. But with him? I do. I want to try, even if it scares me a little. I want him to know I'll be there for him - no matter what."

coral was in awe, watching her best friend play with her little one. it wasn’t the first time, but it was always amusing to see the way the girl looked at him, how she reached up for his face in pure curiosity. in awe. “she really is, i think it’s a genetic thing,” she said, tossing her head back. “she looks at you in awe, it’s honestly so cute,” she nodded, a smile on her lips. “she has that look that makes you want to stay there with her forever and never let go,” she added, nodding again. “i feel that’ll be a problem when she grows up—she’ll do whatever she wants, and i won’t be able to say no,” she admitted, knowing she’d have to work on that. “cosey time? did you come up with a ship name for us?” she teased, smiling. “that’s such a nice offer, but you’ll have to fight grandma owens for that, isn’t mamma right, cece?” she asked, poking her baby’s sides just to make her giggle. “sassier? even more? wow, then i’ll have to handle her and her teasing father, god save me,” she joked. “but count on it, i don’t trust anyone more than i trust you with this,” she promised, smiling again. she looked at her baby, hearing royalty call her magic. “she really is. how is it possible that i carried her for nine months, and now she’s here and…” she stopped—the thought alone made goosebumps rise all over her skin. “goosebumps,” she chuckled. “i think i didn’t know i wanted to be a mum before emily happened, and now i feel it’s the right thing. i love my life right now, casey—going to work, but also having my little princess makes everything fit into place,” she smiled. “i’m so corny sometimes,” she laughed. coral tilted her head to the side as he called it weird, how this guy he’d met made him feel. “it’s not weird, it’s just that you’re discovering new things and you’re excited,” she nodded. “you should definitely tell him that,” coral said with a smile. “i’m pretty sure that’ll make a softboy melt right in front of you.”

Casey’s grin was slow, deliberate — the kind that tugged at his mouth like he already knew he had her right where he wanted. He stayed kneeling in front of her, broad shoulders easy but commanding, gaze locked on hers with that sharp mix of heat and affection that never failed to undo her. “You call this working?” he teased, voice low and smooth, thumb brushing along the line of her thigh as though it was his right to touch her that way. “Feels a hell of a lot like you were trying to make me forget my own name.” At her joke about the surname, he chuckled — deep, warm, cocky without being careless. “Owens isn’t exclusive, baby. It’s solid. Strong. And it suits you already. Future Mrs Owens has quite the ring to it, no?" His tone shifted, softer for just a moment, honest in a way that slid under her skin. “You and Celeste are my whole world. Sharing a name only makes sense. Besides…” His lips hovered over hers, refusing to close the distance just yet. “…I like the sound of you being mine in every way.” When she teased about leaving the proposal for another time, Casey smirked and tilted his head, his hand sliding higher as if to remind her of exactly where they were. “Fair enough. No rings on the kitchen floor.” He dipped his head to her ear, voice a low rumble. “But the ‘fuck you in every room’ part? That’s not negotiable.” As she wrapped her leg around his waist, he moved smoothly, effortlessly taking control of the moment. His mouth trailed down her skin, confident, unhurried, like he owned every inch he touched. “You drive me crazy,” he murmured against her, his hand sliding behind her neck to draw her closer. “I'm so fucking obsessed with you, baby." He paused, caught her gaze again, and gave her that wolfish smile that was all him — cocky, sure, but so full of love it was undeniable. “Without saying a word? I didn't know you were that much of a freak." And with that, he kissed her — deep, certain, claiming — the kind of kiss that erased the kitchen floor and left only him. Casey pushed up from his knees with fluid strength, his hands finding her waist like it was second nature. Before Coral could register it, he had her lifted clean off the ground and swung effortlessly over his shoulder, his grip steady, possessive, and unshakably confident. He gave her a sharp smack on the curve of her bum, the sound echoing in the kitchen. “Come on, kinky,” he drawled, his voice low and amused, smooth as velvet but edged with command. His palm lingered at her hip, steadying her while he started toward the bedroom without breaking stride, like carrying her was no challenge at all. He glanced down at her legs draped against his chest, smirking to himself. “Guess I’ll just have to take you somewhere better suited for fireworks.” With another playful squeeze, he added, “Hope you’ve got the stamina. I’m not stopping at just one room tonight.”

Casey’s eyes softened as Coral locked her gaze with his, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. The energy between them was palpable, charged with that same chemistry that had always been there, even in their quieter, more intimate moments. Life had changed, but there was something in the way she looked at him that made him feel like nothing ever really did. He watched as she teased him, the playful confidence in her movements making his heart race. He couldn’t help but admire the way she could hold his attention without even trying, how effortlessly she pulled him into her world with just a look or a touch. "You’re always keeping me on my toes,” he murmured, his voice light but with that underlying warmth only she could bring out in him. He loved how she could make him forget everything around them—how, in moments like these, they were the only two people that mattered. "The best." His hand gently resting in her hair, his thumb brushing the strands as if he wanted to memorise the feeling of her so close. Without saying a word, Casey lowered himself slowly, his movements deliberate, as he knelt down in front of her. His eyes never left hers, a playful smirk tugging at his lips, but his touch was gentle. He reached for her waist, lifting her slightly as he kissed up her neck, his lips grazing her skin with a slow, deliberate touch. The warmth of her breath, the subtle scent of her skin—it all drew him in closer. As he moved, he couldn’t help but let his voice drop to a low, teasing whisper. “We need to change your surname soon, huh?” He pulled back just enough to look at her, a wicked grin on his face. “Coral Moore’s a nice name, but I think it’s time for a change soon. Don’t you?” He slowly leaned her back, supporting her carefully, his hand sliding behind her to steady her as he hovered just inches away, his lips brushing against hers, his tone full of mischief. “I think it’s about time I made you mine in more ways than one.” Pulling back just enough to meet her eyes, his voice was low, almost as if he were sharing something intimate, something only they could understand. “I’m not going to ask you to marry me right this second while I’m all caught up in this lust-filled haze and thinking about fucking you in every room imaginable,” he said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “But I have been thinking about it…” His fingers trailed lightly along her jaw, the affection in his touch matching the weight of his words. He started to kiss down her chest, her breastbone, her tummy, her pelvis and down the inside of one of her thighs as he scooted back enough to move one of her legs around his waist. His actions weren’t driven by rush or need, but by the pure desire to make her feel loved and cherished. He paused, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that was both playful and affectionate. “I don’t think I could be anymore in love with you than I already am."

this tension and connection between them hadn’t changed after celeste; if she was honest, she felt really close to her boyfriend even if they had less time alone. their routine had changed, but the way they felt about each other hadn’t — the way they teased each other, the way they looked at one another. it was perfect, as it always had been. she admired casey in a way she knew she could never admit to anyone else. as he knelt in front of her, coral pouted. “i was working here, don’t get cute with me, owens,” she joked, remembering that just seconds before she had been trying to pleasure him, and now he was talking about changing her surname. the way he touched her sent goosebumps across her skin — so gentle, so deliberate. “i feel like after having a daughter it’s only fair to share our last name too,” he mused. “as long as the owens last name isn’t something exclusive or silly,” he teased, and coral raised her eyebrows at him. that was one reason — the other was that she hated her own family name, a permanent reminder that her parents would never love her. the way he moved around her was intoxicating: how easily he slid his hand behind her, how he hovered inches from her lips and had her silently begging him to close the distance. “you’ve made me yours in more ways than i expected,” she chuckled softly. “oh, you can leave the marriage proposal for any time we’re not naked on the kitchen floor,” she teased, smiling and winking playfully. “but you can go back to the ‘fuck me in every room’ part,” she added. as his lips trailed a line of kisses down her body, the blonde closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the feeling before he scooted her leg up and wrapped it around his waist. “i love you more than anything in this world,” she murmured, her hands finding the back of his neck as she bit her lower lip. “what about we go to our bed and just love each other without saying a word?” she winked. “i really need you, and as cute as you are right now, i will explode, i swear.”