sun-hashira

The second you unlocked the door, the smell of coffee and warmth wrapped around you, and immediately your eyes found Dex sitting at the kitchen table beneath the low golden light, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows as he cleaned one of his knives with careful precision.

The metal gleamed beneath his fingers, methodical and dangerous in a way that would’ve terrified most people, but all you felt when seeing it was home.

Dex looked up the second you stepped inside, and his attention sharpened instantly, hazel eyes dragging over your face, your posture, and the way your shoulders slumped with exhaustion.

“You’re late,” he said quietly.

“You sound like my brother.” You said dropping your bag beside the door before crossing the apartment without a second thought.

Dex set the knife down immediately when you walked towards him, and you didn’t even think about it anymore as you slid naturally into his lap, one arm looping around his shoulders as exhaustion finally settled heavily into your bones.

Dex’s hands came to your waist instantly. One steady against your lower back while the other rubbed slow circles against your hip through the oversized hoodie you’d stolen from him weeks ago.

“Tired?” He whispered.

“Very.”

“You worked late tonight.”

You hummed as you melted against him with a soft sigh, pressing a tired kiss against his neck as the two of you sat like that for a moment just enjoying the quiet. The familiarity. The simple comfort of being together.

“You smell like antiseptic,” Dex murmured against your temple.

“You smell like metal.”

“I showered this morning.”

“So did I.” You defended. “Then someone bled on me.”

His fingers pressed slightly firmer against your waist as he looked over your face carefully. “Sore?”

“Yes.”

“Did you eat anything?”

You narrowed your eyes slightly. “You’re very bossy tonight.”

“You’re avoiding the question.”

You ignored that entirely, resting your cheek against his shoulder instead while absently running your fingers through his hair. The effect on him was immediate as his entire body softened beneath your touch.

You smiled faintly to yourself.

“Busy night?” he asked quietly.

You hummed softly. “Knife wound, two broken ribs, and one drunk idiot who thought he could remove his own stitches.”

Dex’s expression remained perfectly flat. “Could he?”

“No.”

“That’s disappointing.” He sighed.

You snorted tiredly, earning the faintest smirk from him.

God, you loved him.

Dex’s hand slid higher against your back. “You’re staring.”

“You’re pretty.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly in disbelief.

“You’re tired,” he decided.

“You say that like it changes the fact you’re pretty.” You tease.

A small smile appeared this time before he leaned forward slightly and pressed a kiss against your forehead.

You closed your eyes briefly before your phone buzzed inside your hoodie pocket, and you groaned dramatically without moving.

Dex reached into the pocket for you, handing the phone over after glancing at the screen.

“Karen.” He said.

You answered with a tired sigh. “Hello?”

“Well, you sound dead.” Her voice came through the earpiece.

“Close.”

Karen laughed softly through the phone. “Lunch tomorrow. Don’t cancel this time.”

“I won’t.”

“You said that last time.”

“That was different.”

“You disappeared for three days.”

You glanced briefly at Dex, who looked entirely unapologetic despite being the reason for those three days.

“That was also different,” you muttered.

Karen snorted. “Right. Noon tomorrow.”

“Fine.”

“And wear something that doesn’t belong to your terrifying boyfriend.”

Dex looked offended at that, and you smiled faintly. “No promises.”

Karen made a disgusted sound before saying she loves you and hanging up, while Dex’s hands settled back around your waist once more as you dropped the phone onto the table.

“She likes you now,” you murmured.

“She tolerates me.”

“That’s basically friendship for Karen.”

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The next afternoon you found yourself arriving at the usual diner like Karen had demanded the night before.

Walking towards the booth had been claimed by the four of you years ago, you found your brothers and best friend chatting animatedly while waiting for your arrival.

Comfortable in the way only old relationships could be, and for the first time in months, nothing felt strained anymore.

Foggy’s eyes immediately narrowed the second you slid into the booth beside Matt. “Oh my God.”

You blinked innocently. “What?”

“You’re wearing his jacket again.” He teased.

You looked down automatically at the oversized black jacket swallowing your frame. “No, I’m not.”

Lie.

“Yes, you are!” Karen grinned.

“It could be anyone's.” You defended, but you could feel your cheeks getting warm.

“It could not.” She laughed.

You looked at Matt. “Help me.”

“No.” He said, taking a sip of his coffee.

Traitor.

Foggy looked entirely too amused at your situation. “You’re literally drowning in that thing.”

You glanced down at the sleeves covering your hands and the zip that started mid-thigh.

Fine, maybe they had a point.

“You stole his clothes.” Karen looked delighted.

“I borrowed it.”

“Sure.” She giggled before going to order more drinks.

Matt took another sip of coffee, still being entirely unhelpful.

“I came here to have a good time.” You playfully whined while narrowing your eyes at your twin.

“You came here wearing his jacket.” He bluntly replied while Foggy laughed so hard he nearly choked on his usual cupcake.

Matt waited for Foggy’s laughter to calm down before speaking again. “Your heart is racing.”

Heat immediately crept into your cheeks.

Foggy pointed dramatically across the table. “See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”

“What are you talking about?” you asked defensively.

Foggy grinned. “You’ve got that look.”

You narrowed your eyes. “What look?”

“The one people get when they’re disgustingly in love.” He teased.

Karen returned at the exact wrong moment.

“Oh thank God,” she said, sliding into the booth beside Foggy. “I thought I was the only one seeing it.”

“Oh my God.” You groaned.

Matt looked deeply unimpressed by the three of you, though there was something softer in his expression now. Something accepting.

Because Matt loved you and you were happy.

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Unfortunately, things only got worse because while you and Karen stood waiting for drinks near the counter, she glanced sideways at you before freezing.

“Oh my.” She grinned.

You already knew that familiar teasing tone. “No.”

“That is definitely a hickey.” Karen pointed dramatically at your neck.

“Karen.”

Karen looked delighted. “You’re blushing.”

“You’re annoying.” You say, trying to hide your grin.

“You’re in love.” She smiled.

Your smile softened before you could stop it, and Karen noticed immediately as her expression softened too.

“Good,” she said quietly.

The sincerity in her voice tightened your chest.

“But really? A hickey!” She threw her head back while laughing loudly. “Right before lunch with your brother?”

Heat flooded your face instantly. “Lower your voice.”

Karen looked far too pleased with herself as your hand covered her mouth.

“Matt is never allowed to know.”

“Matt already knows.” Her words came out muffled, but you understood them enough.

Your eyes widened. “He does not.”

“Your brother is basically a human lie detector.” Karen gave you a look. “He knows everything even if he is blind.”

Damn. You hated it when she made good points.

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Thankfully, lunch turned less embarrassing afterwards.

With conversation drifting between old stories, work complaints, and mutual teasing. It was normal and comfortable, like the way things used to be. Only now it was better, lighter, because nobody was avoiding anything anymore.

Foggy looked at you carefully before casually saying, “You should bring him next time.”

You blinked as the table fell strangely quiet. “Really?”

Even Matt looked slightly surprised beside you.

Foggy shrugged lightly. “What? I’m curious.”

“You hate him.”

“I hate the guy who shot us,” Foggy corrected gently. “I don’t know this version.”

Something warm settled inside your chest.

Because this entire time, some part of you had accepted that loving Dex would cost you everyone else. But instead they were making space for him. For you.

Matt stayed quiet for a moment before sighing, “If he comes, he pays.”

The words of your twin caused all to burst out laughing, and somehow everything felt okay.

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Later, when Karen disappeared to take a phone call and Foggy went to order another cake, it left you alone with Matt.

For a while neither of you spoke, but you never needed words with Matt, not always, because sometimes being twins was enough.

A twin thing is what your father used to call it.

Eventually he set his coffee down. "Are you happy, bug?”

The question was simple, but it asked everything from the arguments, the worry, the fear, and the months between then and now.

“Yeah.” You didn't even hesitate.

Matt smiled. The same smile he'd worn your entire life whenever he knew you were okay.

“Good.”

And just like that, the last piece of guilt you'd been carrying finally disappeared.

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By the time you returned to your apartment later that evening, the city outside had gone dark.

The apartment was quiet except for running water, and you found Dex standing at the kitchen sink, sleeves rolled up once more as pink-tinted water disappeared down the drain.

Blood covered his hands. A familiar sight that once upon a time would’ve filled you with conflict. Now you simply loved him anyway.

Dex glanced up when you approached. “How was lunch?”

You wrapped your arms around his waist and rested your forehead against his shoulder. “Karen discovered a hickey.”

Dex looked entirely too pleased with himself.

You groaned. “Don't.”

“I'm not doing anything.”

“I can feel your smugness.”

“I am.”

“Dex.”

His smile widened.

“Foggy told me to bring you next time.”

Dex paused at your words. “…What?”

You smiled faintly as you looked up to see his face. “That was my reaction too.”

Something unreadable flickered briefly across his face before he looked back down at the water, and you stepped under his arm and stood snugly beside him.

His hands were still stained faintly red as you reached out, touching his wrist.

Dex’s attention shifted fully towards you instantly.

“I have a secret,” you murmured softly.

“I know.”

A small smile pulled at your lips. “No, you don’t.”

For a moment, Dex looked uncertain, just slightly, as you looked at him carefully. At the man who climbed through your windows, who watched you like you hung the moon, who touched you like you were precious, who terrified the world and softened only for you.

“I love you.” You said it in a steady voice and without a single drop of doubt.

Dex froze completely beneath your hand as he stared at you, and suddenly you could see how long he’d been waiting to hear those words.

Your thumb brushed lightly against his pulse.

“Your name marked on my body made me curious about you,” you whispered. “But loving you… that was my choice.”

Something in Dex’s expression cracked open then, and his damp hands came slowly to your face.

“I know,” he said softly after a long moment. “I was just waiting for you.”

Your chest ached so badly it almost hurt as you kissed him before he could say anything else. Slow, certain, and full of everything you couldn’t find the words to describe.

Dex kissed you back like he’d been starving for it despite already having you in his arms every night.

When you finally pulled away, his forehead rested against yours, and neither of you spoke for a while because there wasn’t anything left to say.

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Later that night, rain tapped softly against the windows while you stood in your kitchen making tea.

Behind you, you heard the familiar sound of the living room window clicking shut. The same window he used to climb through to reach you, and you glanced over your shoulder just in time to see Dex lock it before turning toward you.

“Using the door now?” You asked as your lips twitched slightly.

“You complained about the heating bill.”

You laughed softly then yelped as Dex suddenly grabbed your waist and pulled you backwards against his chest.

“Honey.” You giggled. 

“You’re warm.” He murmured into your shoulder. 

“You’re impossible.”

“Baby.” His mouth brushed lazily against your neck. “You love me.”

“Yeah.” You tilted your head to give him more room. “I do.”

And standing there wrapped safely in his arms while the city glowed outside your apartment, you realised something beautiful.

Soulmates may have been fate.

But this? This had always been a choice.

TAGS: @benspoindexter @noisyinfluencerstrawberry @genya1617 @doesanyonereadthis @not-the-teen-witch @hanniesrock @peanutbutterjellytime3000 @monikastuff @its-jackie-bb @that1weirdweebgirl @trulovekay @star-yawnznn @snowwythegloww @ethereal-athalia @musicalfan2026 @mewmew222 @scarlet48 @skylerepost @disappearintofanfiction @floatingintheupsidedown @abbotfan @ancientbeing10 @sarahskywalker-amidala @artistadistrada2002 @kakuchosbff @weallhaveadestiny @hyperfixations-go-brrr @capri-cuntz @bullseyeshandcuffs @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @muffinbrown @cowboylover00 @hearsaygoose @badbishsblog @miixkl @iangelofmusic @celleryxo @thecityofspareparts @planetevermore @sadest-bookshelf @paige0103 @bury-me-in-the-star @mrsxchase @kkkeeeiiirrraaa @clowninavan @shoxji @mossmydarling @lostfallenangelsblog @ofmyownvolitionfics

“Did you work through lunch again?”

You blinked, confused. “How do you know that?”

“You get quieter when you're hungry,” he said, grabbing your bag and throwing it over his shoulder. “You’ve usually asked me at least three questions by now.”

You grinned at his attentiveness because while many people would find it off-putting to discover that their boyfriend has learned everything about them, you know that this is one of the ways Dex shows his affection.

You also know that him knowing these things about you is also what keeps his mind clear, like a north star guiding a lost sailor home.

“You know that’s not normal, right?” You tease while grabbing his free hand.

“It is for me.” He said with a serious face while interlocking your fingers together.

Of course it was.

You couldn't stop smiling at his reply before your eyes landed on a folded brochure in the breast pocket of his jacket.

“Honey.” You pull his hand to grab his attention.

“Yeah, baby?”

“What's that?” You ask, pointing at his pocket.

For a moment, a suspiciously pleased look crossed his face. “A surprise.”

You immediately narrowed your eyes. “I don't trust that expression.”

“I know.” He grinned.

“Dex.” You whined, but the smile you were trying to hide gave away the fact that you were only playing.

He playfully sighed as he held the brochure out, showing a pair of already paid-for tickets for the aquarium you had told him about a few weeks ago.

Your eyebrows shot upward. “You planned a date?”

“Yes.”

You looked from the tickets to him. Then back to the tickets. Then back to him again.

“You planned this weeks ago, didn't you?” You asked while grinning.

“… Maybe.” He said as his cheeks warmed red.

“Oh my God.” You laughed.

“It was difficult finding a day you weren't working.”

Your chest warmed pleasantly because that sounded less like annoyance and more like a fact he'd carefully thought about.

“Come on,” he said quietly, tugging your hand gently to make you start walking.

And because you couldn't think of a single reason not to, you happily moved.

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The aquarium wasn’t as crowded as you expected, with just enough people to fill the halls with soft chatter and excited children.

You'd barely made it through the entrance before something enormous swam past one of the giant tanks and caught your attention.

“Oh wow.” Your pace immediately slowed, and you didn’t notice as Dex altered his own pace to match yours as your eyes were glued to the beautiful animal.

A stingray was gliding across your view, its movements graceful and enchanting, as it swam closer to the glass before quickly changing directions as if it was teasing everyone watching it.

A laugh escaped you. “Honey, look, it’s beautiful.”

“It is.”

You glanced at him only to find he wasn't looking at the stingray, but he was looking at you.

Your cheeks warmed instantly. “You know that's not what I meant.”

“I know.” He said, wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

“Dex.” You gently nudged his side with your elbow.

A tiny smile appeared on his face as you rolled your eyes and continued walking.

But you couldn't stop smiling either.

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The jellyfish exhibit was your favourite.

The room glowed blue as soft music drifted through the darkness while hundreds of jellyfish floated through illuminated tanks like stars.

You stopped in front of one immediately as your attention was taken by the pretty pink jellyfish that drifted slowly through the water, glowing softly beneath the lights.

For several moments neither of you spoke as you admired the jellyfish.

“You're staring.” You said upon noticing Dex’s usual expression.

“I know.”

You smiled. “There’s more jellyfish over there.”

“I know.”

You looked over your shoulder, and Dex hadn't looked at the tank once. Not once.

“You paid for tickets.” You gently reminded him.

“I did.”

“You should probably look at them.”

“I'd rather look at you.” He said seriously as his hands cupped your face.

Your stomach fluttered hard at the familiar response that should embarrassed you, but instead it only made your smile grow.

“Besides, we haven’t gotten to the shark section yet, and those are my favourite.” He teased kissing your forehead.

“Dex.” You laughed while gently hitting his side before noticing his gaze not leaving your face.

“What?” You asked wrapping your arms around his waist.

“I love you.” He whispered.

Your breath caught as everything in the room seemed to stop. The people, the music, the jellyfish, all of it. But his declaration didn’t shock you because you’d known for months or maybe even longer.

You'd seen it every time he looked at you, in every gift he gave, in every text he sent, in every careful touch, and thoughtful date. But hearing him say it aloud felt different somehow. Bigger. Real. Better.

For a moment you simply stared at him as the blue aquarium lights reflected in his eyes and showed the emotions he was feeling. Love, certainty, and patience.

“You don't have to say it back.” He whispered again while gently stroking your cheeks with his thumbs.

The gentleness in his voice made your throat tighten as you realised he didn’t say it because he wanted an answer but because he wanted to be honest.

You swallowed and reached for his hand instead, with Dex immediately intertwining your fingers, and a smile appeared on his face that somehow said enough.

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The shark tunnel was quickly becoming your favourite part.

Mostly because a sweet seven-year-old boy had attached himself to Dex the moment he saw him.

“Mister, do you think sharks could beat dinosaurs?” The boy asked while tugging on Dex’s jeans.

Dex blinked in confusion while you looked away to hide your smile, shoulders gently shaking because of your quiet laughter, before turning back to face your boyfriend, who had since lowered himself into a crouch.

The boy’s mother sat only a few steps away from you with a baby in her arms and mouthed “I’m sorry”, which you waved away with a kind smile.

“Which dinosaur?” Dex asked, and the child gasped happily.

Apparently this was the correct answer.

Ten minutes later, Dex and the boy, who you have since learned is called Sammy, were not only discussing which dinosaurs a shark could beat but also their favourite dinosaur and why.

While you happily watched from several steps away, now sitting next to Sammy’s mother and cooing over Elena, her four-month-old daughter whose toothless smile was stealing your heart.

Eventually Sammy’s father returned with baskets of fries in each hand, and the small family made their way to the outside picnic area.

“Bye-bye, dinosaur shark man!” Sammy shouted while aggressively waving goodbye.

You smiled as Dex waved back before he turned and found you staring.

“What?” He asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“You like kids.” You grinned.

“No.”

“You absolutely do.”

“No.”

“You just spent ten minutes discussing sharks and dinosaurs.” You teased him.

“He asked.” He defended himself as you laughed so hard you had to grab his arm for balance, which Dex looked very pleased about.

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The gift shop was challenging your self-control.

Every stuffed animal was adorable and dangerous to your purse with their beady eyes and soft stuffed bodies calling your name, especially the sea otter that sat on a shelf near the cash register.

Round, soft, and holding its own stuffed rock, the stuffed teddy was perfect and would look wonderful on your bed.

You picked it up, squeezed it, then reluctantly put it back. “No."

Dex looked away from the hammerhead shark keyring he found. “No?”

“I don't need it.” You said walking towards him.

“You want the otter?” He asked while showing you the keyring in his hand.

“I don't need it.” You stated.

“But you want it.”

“Dex.” You playfully pointed a finger at him. “No.”

He looked completely unbothered as you dragged him away, leaving the sea otter behind.

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Lunch happened afterwards at a small family-run café near the waterfront.

You chatted excitedly about all the sea creatures you saw while Dex pretended not to notice as you stole his fries before subtly pushing the plate closer.

The walk back to your apartment was slow and peaceful, with neither of you seeming particularly eager to end the day.

Your hand remained interlocked with his the entire way as you both ate the ice creams you purchased from the local gelato. It was comforting, natural, and easy as you realised that you were happy.

Genuinely happy.

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You had been home for about an hour when you discovered the sea otter sitting happily in the middle of your bed.

You slowly turned towards the living room, where Dex had made himself comfy on the sofa. “Honey.”

“Yeah, baby?” You could hear the grin in his voice.

“Why is there a sea otter on my bed?”

“I don't know how that got there.”

“Dex.”

“I've never seen it before in my life.”

You laughed happily, the sound filling the apartment as you moved towards the sofa and pressed your lips against his.

“Thank you, honey.” You said into the kiss.

“You’re welcome, baby.”

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Hours later, you were curled against him on the sofa while the film you put on had long since become background noise, with neither of you paying attention anymore.

Your head rested on Dex's chest, one of his arms wrapped tightly around your waist while his fingers absentmindedly traced patterns against your side.

The apartment was quiet except for the television and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your ear. A few months ago that sound would have made you nervous, but now it settled something inside you.

You shifted slightly, tilting your head up to look at him, only to find Dex was already looking at you.

A smile tugged at your lips. “You're staring again.”

“I know.”

“You do that a lot.”

“You’re beautiful.” He said smiling as your cheeks flushed red.

Dex's hand slid up your back, twirling pieces of your hair around his fingers, and your chest warmed at his words. A few months ago hearing those words would have annoyed you, now it makes you feel nice. Wanted.

You leaned forward and kissed him. Only a quick press of your lips against his, but Dex immediately followed when you pulled away, chasing another kiss before you could retreat completely.

You smiled against his mouth. “Needy.”

“For you?” He questioned. “Always.”

The answer came so quickly that you laughed as he rested his forehead briefly against yours. The familiar tingles danced beneath your skin where his name lived. Like a lovely, gentle reminder.

Then his hand lifted to cup your cheek, and the look in his eyes made your stomach flutter. The soft look that he reserved only for you. Always for you.

You thought about the aquarium, about the jellyfish, the sharks, and the sea otter currently sitting happily on your bed. The way he'd held your hand all afternoon and memorised all your favourite things. The way he'd said I love you like it was the most natural thing in the world and the way he'd given you space when you hadn't been ready to say it back.

Your heart and stomach squeezed. “Dex.”

His thumb brushed gently across your cheek. “Yeah?”

For a second you simply looked at him before gently smiling. “Thank you for today.”

Something in his expression relaxed. “You had fun?”

“You already know I did.”

“I still like hearing you say it.”

Your laugh escaped before you could stop it, and the sound made him smile too. Then he leaned forward and kissed your forehead as your eyes fluttered closed briefly, savouring the feeling of being loved.

And when he kissed you again, pulling you closer until there wasn't any space left between you, you followed willingly.

Because neither of you wanted the day to end as the television continued playing unnoticed, and the city carried on outside. And somewhere between the shared laughter, quiet conversation, and stolen kisses, the evening slipped away from you both.

TAGS: @benspoindexter @noisyinfluencerstrawberry @genya1617 @doesanyonereadthis @not-the-teen-witch @hanniesrock @peanutbutterjellytime3000 @monikastuff @its-jackie-bb @that1weirdweebgirl @trulovekay @star-yawnznn @snowwythegloww @ethereal-athalia @musicalfan2026 @mewmew222 @scarlet48 @skylerepost @disappearintofanfiction @floatingintheupsidedown @abbotfan @ancientbeing10 @sarahskywalker-amidala @artistadistrada2002 @kakuchosbff @weallhaveadestiny @hyperfixations-go-brrr @capri-cuntz @bullseyeshandcuffs @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @muffinbrown @cowboylover00 @hearsaygoose @badbishsblog @miixkl @iangelofmusic @celleryxo @thecityofspareparts @planetevermore @sadest-bookshelf @paige0103 @bury-me-in-the-star @mrsxchase @kkkeeeiiirrraaa @clowninavan @shoxji @mossmydarling @lostfallenangelsblog @ofmyownvolitionfics

He had a habit of doing that now, slipping into your thoughts like he belonged there.

“You know,” Karen said, sitting on the edge of a counter with a cleaning cloth in one hand, “for someone who's finished work, you seem determined to keep working.”

You smiled without looking up. “I'm closing.”

“You've been 'closing' for twenty-five minutes.”

“It takes time.”

Foggy laughed from the medicine cabinet where he was reorganising bandages into neat stacks. “I told you she'd say that.”

“You two offered to help,” you reminded them.

“We offered to keep you company,” Karen corrected. “Helping was never part of the agreement.”

“And yet,” you gestured around the room, “here you are.”

Foggy shrugged dramatically. “I'm a generous man.”

“You colour-coordinated the painkillers.”

“They deserved it.”

A laugh escaped you as it all felt… normal. 

Especially since Foggy had been given the final all clear from the hospital a little over a week ago and seeing him standing here now, healthy and smiling, still felt like a miracle.

He caught you looking. “What?”

“I'm just happy you're here.” You smile.

His expression softened. “So am I.”

Karen smiled quietly before pointing toward the sink. “Less emotions, more disinfecting.”

“Yes, ma'am.” You both playfully saluted.

You finished rinsing the last of the work tools before carefully placing them into their drawer.

Almost done. You thought while already wanting to head home, especially since Dex had offered to cook tonight, having already texted earlier asking if you preferred pasta or stir fry.

You'd replied with a simple ‘surprise me x’ and his response had come less than ten seconds later with an ‘ok baby x’. 

The thought alone made warmth spread across your chest.

Karen noticed immediately. “What are you smiling about?”

“What?”

“You've got that look.”

“What look?”

“The one you've had for months.” She teased.

Foggy grinned as he came to stand beside you. “The Dex look.”

Heat immediately crawled into your cheeks. “I do not have a Dex look.”

“You absolutely have a Dex look.” He teased while poking your red cheek.

“I smiled.” You argued.

“You smiled differently.”

You rolled your eyes. “I don't smile differently.”

Karen folded her arms. “You literally just did.”

Before you could defend yourself, three loud knocks against the back door echoed through the clinic.

“Expecting someone?” Foggy frowned. 

You shook your head. “No.”

Another loud bang echoed throughout the clinic, but more urgent than before. Your stomach tightened, but you were already moving before anyone said anything, with Karen following and Foggy not far behind.

Karen gasped the second you unlocked the door because Matt stood there breathing heavy and dressed as Daredevil with his suit streaked with dirt and blood, but in his arms was Dex. 

Your heart dropped as his head lolled against Matt's shoulder, his hair damp with sweat and blood, while one side of his dark suit soaked through with blood.

“Move.” Matt said.

You did immediately as he carried Dex straight to the nearest examination bed while Foggy hurried ahead, clearing trays and equipment out of the way.

“He took the hit for me,” Matt explained quietly.

Your eyes flicked over Dex's body automatically taking in the deep laceration beneath the ribs and another along his shoulder and the bruising that was already blooming across his side.

You exhaled slowly. “He'll live.”

Matt visibly relaxed. “What do you need?”

“Scissors.” Karen was already handing them over before you'd even finished speaking.

“Gauze.” Foggy passed you one before neatly piling more beside him.

“Saline.” Matt passed you an unopened bottle from the cabinet as you got to work.

Everyone moving with practiced efficiency that held no panic, no shouting, just trust that only people who have been in this situation before could navigate. 

You carefully cut away the ruined fabric around Dex's side, revealing the wound beneath. Relieved to see that it wasn’t fatal.

Your hands brushed lightly over the torn skin as your healing powers stirred beneath your palms, warmth spreading beneath them as you slowed the bleeding enough to let you work, knowing Dex would be upset if you used your powers to fully heal him again. 

Matt leaned against the bed beside you, finally allowing himself to breathe. “He was covering my left side.”

You glanced up briefly. “You don't have to explain.”

“I know.” A pause was shared between you. “I want to.”

You nodded once before returning your attention to Dex. He looked pale as you rested two fingers gently against his neck and felt his steady pulse.

Good.

“Come on,” you murmured softly. “Wake up for me, baby.”

Silence.

Then a moment later his brow furrowed before his hazel eyes slowly blinked open and scanned around the room, taking note of Matt, Foggy, and Karen, before they found you. 

Immediately his expression softened. “…Baby.”

Your shoulders relaxed before you even realised they’d been tense. “I'm here.”

His entire body seemed to unclench, and everyone noticed. 

“So…” Dex mumbled weakly, his eyes never leaving yours. “Hi.”

“Hi, baby.” You laughed softly. 

“You look pretty.”

Karen blinked in surprise as Foggy looked at you confused.

“You've lost a concerning amount of blood.” Matt sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose.

Dex frowned. “And?”

“And yet flirting with my sister is still your priority?”

“It always is.”

A laugh escaped you. “There he is.”

Dex smiled faintly at the sound. “There you are.”

Your chest tightened as you reached up to brush the damp strands of hair away from his forehead before checking his pupils again.

“Follow my finger.”

He did immediately while ignoring Foggy’s amused snort.

“You dizzy?”

“A little.”

“Nauseous?”

“No.”

“Pain level?”

“5.”

“Ok.” You said as your thumb stroked gently across his temple.

Dex instinctively leaned into the touch, and you wondered if he even realised he'd done it while everyone else did.

Grabbing more gauze, you soaked it in antiseptic before dabbing it across the cut on his shoulder before stopping when Dex hissed quietly.

“I'm sorry.” You whispered, gently stroking his temple again. 

“Why are you apologising?” He asked, looking genuinely confused.

“'Cause it hurts.”

“You aren't hurting me.”

“The antiseptic is.”

“You didn't stab me.”

“Still.” You shrugged. 

His fingers searched across the mattress until they found your free hand and wrapped his fingers around it immediately. Firm enough to reassure himself but gentle enough to let you pull away if you needed.

You didn't.

You simply adjusted your grip and kept working while Matt stood silently behind you. His head tilted in a way that let you know he was listening to something but unaware that it was your heartbeat. 

Steady and calm. 

While Dex's was matching yours more closely with every passing second.

Comforted and calm. 

He remembered the time he heard Dex’s heartbeat months ago, how frantic and spiralling it was after you had told him to leave. But this time was different.

Your hand slipped from his as you reached for another bandage, and Dex's fingers followed instinctively. Just slightly, but you noticed anyway, and without thinking, you stepped back into his reach, smiling as his shoulders relaxed again.

Karen caught the movement and noticed how small and natural it was, as though you'd done it a hundred times before.

Maybe you had? But how would she know with how much she had been pushing you away? 

You finished wrapping fresh bandages around his shoulder before smoothing the fabric flat. “There.”

Dex glanced down. “Looks professional.”

“I should hope so.”

“You always make me look better.”

“You make that very difficult.”

“I try.” He jokes.

“I know.” You tease back while gently stroking his cheek and catching the tiny smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

My ridiculous man. You thought as you reached for the damp cloth beside you.

“Here.”

“What?”

“You've got blood.”

“Where?”

Instead of answering, you gently wiped dried blood from the edge of his jaw, and Dex's eyes fluttered closed as he leaned into the cloth and your touch like it was the safest place in the world.

Foggy watched quietly, noticing the ease that was between you two.

“There,” you finished cleaning the last streak of blood before tossing the cloth aside. “All better.”

“Thank you, baby.”

He thanked you? Karen thought as she felt something inside her chest shift. For wiping blood off his face?

You moved your hands lower to examine his ribs, and the moment your fingertips pressed against the bruising, Dex inhaled sharply.

“There?”

“Mhm.”

“I'm sorry.”

“You keep apologising.”

“Because I don't like seeing you hurt.”

His gaze softened impossibly. “I'm okay.”

“You will be.” You say as your healing powers warmed beneath your palms again. Not enough to erase everything but just enough to make the bruising settle.

Dex sighed quietly. “That feels nice.”

“I know.”

“You always know.” His hand squeezed yours once, and you smiled without thinking.

Across the room, Karen swallowed her mixed emotions. For months she struggled to understand what everyone else seemed to see, but now she was beginning to.

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Fresh bandages covered Dex’s side as the bleeding had finally stopped, and the colour had begun returning to his face little by little. 

Your healing abilities had taken the edge off his injuries, but you hadn't pushed them too far. You were tired enough already, and Dex hated when you exhausted yourself because of him.

“I'm going to steal your shower.” Matt said while pulling off one of his gloves.

A small smile tugged at your mouth. “You know where everything is.”

“We practically lived here while Foggy was recovering.” He nodded before disappearing down the hallway, the sound of the bathroom door clicking shut echoing softly through the clinic before silence settled again.

“Food?” Foggy asked glancing toward Karen.

Karen looked at him confused before realisation struck her. “Oh shit, I was supposed to buy dinner.”

“You were.” Foggy laughed. 

She looked at you. “Have you forgotten to eat again?”

You blinked. “…no.”

All three of them looked at you with raised eyebrows. 

“…yes.” You sighed.

“I knew it.” Karen said as Foggy grabbed his jacket from the back of a chair. “We'll go grab takeout.”

“You don't have to—”

“We're going.” Karen smiled knowingly. “And don't even think about arguing.”

You laughed quietly. “Fine.”

Foggy reached the door before looking back at Dex. “You want anything?”

Only you could see the surprise in his eyes at Foggy’s question. “I’ll have whatever she's having.”

“Thought so.” Foggy couldn't help smiling.

The back door closed behind them, and the only sounds heard were the gentle buzz of fluorescent lights, the faded shower water running, and the steady rhythm of Dex's breathing.

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You turned back toward him. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired.” He murmured as his eyes drooped. 

“I know.” You whispered while reaching for the edge of his bandage again.

It was perfect and exactly where you'd left it, but you checked it anyway.

Dex watched you for a long moment before speaking. “Didn't want you to see me like this.”

Your hands stopped as you looked up. His eyes weren't filled with embarrassment but something much rarer. Vulnerability.

You moved yourself a little closer on the bed. “I've seen you bleeding before.”

“Not like this.”

“You mean,” You searched his face gently. “Needing help?”

He didn't answer, and he didn't have to because you understood. The first time he came to you all those months ago wasn’t because he was injured but because he wanted to see you again after years of imprisonment. 

Slowly, you reached up and cupped his cheek. “Dex.”

His eyes lifted to meet yours immediately.

“I want to see every version of you.” Your thumb brushed gently beneath his eye.

“The angry one.”

He gave a tiny smile.

“The stubborn one.”

“Rude.” He pouts. 

“The quiet one.” You stroke his cheek. 

“The man who remembers exactly how I take my hot chocolate.” You gently lean over him.

“The man who insists on walking me home even when I tell him I can manage.” You kiss his lips gently. 

“The man who sleeps better when I'm beside him.”

His eyes softened with every sentence.

“The man who gives me every hoodie he owns because he says I'll steal them anyway.”

A quiet laugh escaped him.

“You do steal them.”

“I don’t.” You laugh before leaning forward until your foreheads rest together. “You don’t scare me, Dex, so show me all of you.”

For a long moment, neither of you spoke.

Then, quietly he said, “I don't like feeling weak.”

Your heart ached. “You aren't weak.”

His shoulders finally relaxed as the slight tension you'd felt in him since he'd woken dissolved beneath your touch.

“I've got you.” You brushed your nose lightly against his.

His eyes closed. “I know.”

You smiled. “Good.”

His hand slowly found yours again, and your fingers intertwined naturally.

His thumb lazily stroked the back of your hand. “So…”

“So?”

“We were supposed to have dinner.”

“We still are.”

“You've had a long day.”

“So have you.”

“I ruined it.”

“You got stabbed.”

“I still ruined it.”

A soft laugh escaped you. “You have a very dramatic definition of ruining something.”

He tilted his head. “… You'll still stay?”

The question was so quiet you almost missed it.

“Dex.” Your expression softened instantly as you lifted your joined hands and kissed his knuckles. “I'm staying.”

Relief crossed his face so quickly it almost hurt to witness. “Always?”

“Always.” 

He shifted carefully, wincing as he tried to sit up straighter, and you were beside him immediately.

“Careful.” You slipped one arm around his shoulders to steady him, and without hesitation, he leaned into you as your hand automatically drifted into his hair, smoothing it back from his forehead.

“You always fuss.”

“You always get injured.”

“Fair.” He said as lips brushed your wrist in a featherlight kiss.

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The clinic door opened quietly, but neither of you noticed as Karen stepped inside before Foggy. 

“I forgot the—” She stopped so abruptly that Foggy nearly walked into her.

“What?”

He followed her gaze to where you were lying beside Dex on the examination bed. One hand buried gently in his hair and the other still wrapped in his.

Dex's eyes were closed as he rested with his head on your chest, and you smiled at something he'd whispered too quietly for either of them to hear before kissing his forehead without thinking.

The smile that grew on his face from the affection was one Karen had never seen before. It wasn’t cocky, or smug, or amused, but content. 

Completely and utterly content.

Foggy quietly touched Karen's arm, and when she turned to look at him, he simply shook his head once.

Not now. His eyes said. 

Karen slowly picked up the forgotten takeaway menus from the counter beside the door, and neither of you noticed as they quietly stepped back outside again.

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The rain from earlier had slowed to a light drizzle by the time Karen and Foggy started walking toward the diner.

For several blocks, neither of them spoke until Karen broke the silence. “I think I understand now.”

Foggy glanced sideways at her. “I figured you might.”

Karen let out a slow breath. “I'm still worried.”

“I know.”

“He's still Bullseye.”

“He is.”

“He'll always be dangerous.”

Foggy nodded. “That's true.”

She looked down at the pavement. “I don't think I'll ever completely stop being afraid of what he's capable of.”

“You shouldn't.”

She frowned. “But…”

“He loves her.” Foggy smiled softly. “He really does, and she loves him.”

“She looks…” She searched for the words. “Like she's finally stopped carrying everything by herself.”

Foggy's smile grew. “Yeah.”

“She's always been taking care of everyone else.”

“I know.”

“And now…” Karen's words trailed off. 

“Someone takes care of her.” Foggy said softly.

Karen nodded slowly. “Did you see how he notices everything?”

“He does.” Foggy laughed. “Probably more than Matt does.”

“And the way she looked at him…” Karen shook her head with a disbelieving smile. “I've never seen her look at anyone like that.”

Foggy tucked his hands into his pockets. “Soulmates are funny like that.”

Karen looked at him confused.

“I used to think it was just about fate.” He carried on.

“It isn't?” She asked.

“I think it's about finding the one person who somehow keeps choosing you.”

“And somehow…” He looked back toward the clinic. “They always find their way back to each other.”

Karen thought about that terrible night. About the violence Dex committed, the prison, the distance, and about every reason those two shouldn't have worked.

Yet somehow… here you were.

She smiled to herself. “I think he knows.”

Foggy raised an eyebrow. “Knows what?”

Karen looked through the rain toward the glowing windows of the clinic one last time, and she could just make out your silhouette beside Dex's.

A warmth settled quietly in her chest. “That he's her home.”

Foggy followed her gaze, and after a long moment, he smiled. “I think you're right.”

Together, they turned toward the diner, leaving the warm light of the clinic behind, while inside, neither you nor Dex noticed they'd ever come back. Too busy sitting together with your fingers still laced together and quietly talking about what to watch after dinner. 

And for the first time in a long time, the people who loved you most weren't wondering if they were about to lose you.

TAGS: @benspoindexter @noisyinfluencerstrawberry @genya1617 @doesanyonereadthis @not-the-teen-witch @hanniesrock @peanutbutterjellytime3000 @monikastuff @its-jackie-bb @that1weirdweebgirl @trulovekay @star-yawnznn @snowwythegloww @ethereal-athalia @musicalfan2026 @mewmew222 @scarlet48 @skylerepost @disappearintofanfiction @floatingintheupsidedown @abbotfan @ancientbeing10 @sarahskywalker-amidala @artistadistrada2002 @kakuchosbff @weallhaveadestiny @hyperfixations-go-brrr @capri-cuntz @bullseyeshandcuffs @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @muffinbrown @cowboylover00 @hearsaygoose @badbishsblog @miixkl @iangelofmusic @celleryxo @thecityofspareparts @planetevermore @sadest-bookshelf @paige0103 @bury-me-in-the-star @mrsxchase @kkkeeeiiirrraaa @clowninavan @shoxji @mossmydarling @lostfallenangelsblog @ofmyownvolitionfics

Your powers had helped keep him stable that night while the surgeries had saved his life, and seeing him finally released from the hospital and sitting across from you in his apartment wearing one of his ridiculous avocado-patterned shirts made something old and heavy finally lift off your chest.

“You’re staring.” Foggy said, pointing his sandwich that you got him from Pop’s Deli Corner at you suspiciously.

“You almost died,” you shrugged, taking a bite of your own sandwich. “I’m allowed to stare.”

“I got shot once and suddenly everybody gets weirdly emotional,” he groaned, throwing his head back. “You were also shot that night!”

“You got shot on purpose I got shot accidentally.” You grinned.

“And thanks to your creepy but amazing healing powers I’m alive enough to eat this delicious sandwich that you got me.” Foggy pointed his sandwich at you again. “So technically we’re even.”

You snorted softly, shaking your head as you leaned back further into his sofa.

The afternoon sunlight spilling through the windows made the apartment feel warm and comfortable, and for the first time in days, your shoulders weren’t slightly tense.

“You look better too,” he said casually.

You blinked. “I do?”

“Yeah.” He took another bite of his sandwich before talking around the half-chewed food in his mouth. “Less haunted.”

“That’s disgusting.” You rolled your eyes. “And rude.”

“It’s true.”

His words were right because the past few weeks had steadily changed something inside you.

You had stopped fighting yourself every second of every day, stopped pretending you didn’t want Dex, stopped pretending his touch didn’t calm you, and stopped pretending you didn’t feel happiest curled beside him while he held you and treated you like you were something precious, something sacred.

The realisation still scared you slightly, but it no longer felt wrong or impossible.

Foggy watched you carefully for a moment.

“So,” he said slowly. “How’s he treating you?”

Your lips twitched before you could stop them and Foggy noticed immediately. Curse your traitorous face.

“He’s…” You huffed out a soft laugh. “Attentive.”

“Attentive?”

“He notices everything.”

Foggy snorted quietly. “Yeah, that tracks from what I’ve heard.”

You smiled despite yourself.

“He remembers weirdly specific things too,” you admitted. “Like what I drink after rough clinic shifts or when I forget to eat lunch.”

Foggy’s expression softened slightly as he watched you speak. “You smile when you talk about him now.”

The words caught you off guard enough that your smile faded slightly as Foggy leaned back into the couch cushions.

“Matt hears it,” he said quietly. “I get to see it.”

Emotion tightened unexpectedly in your chest because that was exactly it, wasn’t it? Matt heard every tiny change in your heartbeat whenever Dex texted you or called you or when you spoke about him. But Foggy will see the way your entire face softens whenever these things happen.

You looked down at your hands, suddenly nervous. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

Foggy’s voice gentled. “I know.”

Your fingers twisted together slightly. “He still scares me sometimes,” you admitted quietly.

“Not for myself. He’s just…” You sighed softly. “He’s still him.”

He’s possessive and obsessive and violent and bloody and deadly, but despite all of that, there is still a softness he only seems to reserve for you.

Bullseye.

Foggy was quiet for a moment before speaking carefully. “But he treats you well?”

Your answer came instantly. “Yes.”

There was no hesitation in your words no confusion no forcefulness but just pure, undoubted certainty that somehow felt more revealing than everything else.

Foggy watched you for another long moment before smiling faintly.

“Then that’s what matters most to me.”

Your throat tightened slightly. “Karen still thinks I’m insane.”

“You are,” Foggy snorted. “If Karen is just noticing that, then she must’ve been blind these past few years.”

“That doesn’t help.”

“She’s worried,” he corrected gently. “We all are.”

Your eyes dropped again. “I know.”

“But,” Foggy continued, “I also know you.”

That made you look back up at him.

“And if you’re choosing him,” he said softly, “then I trust there’s a reason.”

Emotions hit you suddenly and hard enough that you had to blink quickly to stop the tears. God, you made the right choice choosing this man as another brother.

Because even when things got complicated, when you both disagreed, and when he struggled to understand. He still loved you enough to try.

Foggy’s eyes narrowed slightly then. “You’re smiling again.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I’m literally not.”

“You’ve got that annoying happy look.”

You groaned dramatically, throwing one of the couch cushions at him while he laughed loudly enough to make you laugh too and maybe that was another sign things were changing because for months every conversation with Matt or Karen about Dex had ended in arguments, in tension, and in guilt.

Now you were laughing.

Foggy caught the cushion before pointing at you again. “So what’s tonight’s mystery date?”

Your stomach fluttered embarrassingly fast, and you hated that his lawyer instincts meant he quickly noticed.

“Oh my God,” Foggy gasped dramatically. “That face was disgustingly fond.”

“I hate you.” You groan burying your face in your hands.

“You’re blushing!”

“I’m leaving.”

Foggy laughed harder as you stood from the couch and grabbed your bag, pretending to leave.

“Holy shit,” he realised suddenly. “You really like him.”

You rolled your eyes as you sat back down even as warmth spread through your chest.

“He’s picking me up later.”

“And he won’t tell you where?”

“Nope.”

Foggy smiled despite himself.

“Well,” he said softly, “have fun.”

And somehow that simple sentence calmed every nerve you had while it settled warmly inside your chest all afternoon.

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When Dex arrived later that evening

your elderly neighbour, Miss Queenie, nearly dropped her grocery bag trying to unlock her door and discreetly stare at him.

Which honestly would’ve been less embarrassing if she’d actually been discreet.

You stepped into the hallway wearing a sage green sweater and black jeans, immediately noticing that Dex was already watching you.

Always watching you.

His gaze moved slowly over your outfit before softening almost imperceptibly.

“You’re staring,” you teased lightly as you locked your apartment door.

“You’re beautiful.”

Heat rushed into your cheeks instantly. His compliments came so easily yet it still made you blush every single time. 

You could barely ignore Miss Queenie’s soft gasp from down the hallway, like she’s watching a live television drama.

She was a sweet old lady really, always checking on you and fussing around you like a grandmother whilst bringing you the sweet desserts that she baked every Sunday.  

Dex stepped closer before lifting something in his hand and showing a small bundle of lavender wrapped carefully in brown paper.

Your chest fluttered immediately.

“It helps you sleep,” he said quietly. “And relax.”

God, there it was again. That attentiveness you couldn’t deny liking.

Your fingers brushed his gently as you took it from him, breathing in the soft, calming scent.

“You remembered.”

“Yes.”

Something warm and aching spread through your chest because not many people noticed things like this about you, not really, and it’s not because they didn’t care to.

But because most people saw a reliable healer when looking at you. Someone who can fix wounds with her weird powers, someone whose twin brother is blind, and someone whose parents are long gone. 

But Dex only saw you.

You smiled softly before leaning up and pressing a kiss against his cheek.

Miss Queenie gasped louder this time as Dex looked deeply pleased with himself.

“You’re enjoying this,” you muttered.

“Yes, I am.” He smiled with a shrug before grabbing your hand, intertwining your fingers together, and leading you out of your apartment building. 

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The carnival he brought you to was chaos in the best possible way.

Lights flashed overhead in vibrant colours while loud music mixed with laughter and shouting drifted through the cool evening air and mixed with the scent of fried food and sugar.

You immediately loved it.

“You’re smiling again,” he observed.

“You’re very observable.” You teased while excitedly swinging your joined hands back and forth. 

His mouth curved into a smile at the excited movements and your shared inside joke, causing your stomach to flutter stupidly.

Ever since Matt gave you the best approval he could give that evening at the diner, things between you and Dex had become softer and easier with texts at strange hours, phone

calls after shifts, movie nights, coffee in the mornings, and nights spent tangled together.

And honestly? You had never been happier. Because being with Dex had stopped feeling like a complicated moral dilemma, and now he just feels like yours.

Which was still a problem for Karen, but she’s slowly coming around.

“You wanna play?” you asked suddenly, pointing towards one of the game stalls.

Dex glanced toward the booth and then back at you as his smile turned into a wide grin. “Yes.”

You narrowed your eyes immediately. “That sounded threatening.”

“It wasn’t.” He said, still grinning, as he pulled you towards the stall you had pointed at. 

It absolutely was.

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Ten minutes later, you were losing horribly.

“This game is rigged,” you accused, turning to look at Dex. 

“It isn’t.” He denied his cheeks flushed from laughing at you. 

“It absolutely is.” You pouted before picking up another ball to throw. 

Dex watched calmly as the ball bounced uselessly away from the bottles you’d been trying to knock down for the past five minutes.

Meanwhile he’d already won a stuffed cow that looked like your slippers and a tiny devil with horns that he claimed looked like Matt. 

You still hadn’t forgiven him for that comment, which made you unattractively snort in front of all these strangers. 

“You’re not gonna hurt it, you know?” Dex questioned.

You turned slowly toward him. “Excuse me?”

“You hesitate before release.”

“You sound insane.” You exclaimed.

“I’m correct.” He laughed. 

You narrowed your eyes further while pointing a finger at him. “I’m banning you from carnival games.”

“Sounds like a skill issue for you.” He teased while raising his hands in mock surrender.

You gasped loudly enough that the game attendant, who now knows both of your names, laughed.

“Oh my God,” you whined dramatically. “You’re annoying.”

Dex took the ball gently from your hand before stepping behind you. Your breath caught softly as his chest pressed lightly against your back.

“Shoulders relaxed,” he murmured near your ear.

Warmth spread instantly down your spine. 

His hand covered yours gently. “Then throw.”

You did.

The ball immediately missed, and you stared at it silently as Dex burst into laughter. 

“That was your fault!” You cried trying to stop the smile sneaking onto your face. 

“No, it wasn’t.” He laughed harder. 

“It was the emotional pressure.”

“You’re terrible at this.”

“I’m not touching another game again.”

Dex looked very amused by your lack of ball-throwing skills, especially after winning you another stuffed animal two minutes later.

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By the time you reached the food stalls, Dex was carrying nearly every prize because he apparently didn’t believe in moderation once he started winning things for you.

“This is excessive,” you informed him while stealing a bite of his funnel cake.

“You looked at them.”

“That doesn’t mean you needed to win all of them.”

“Yes, it does.” He said, taking a bite himself.  

You laughed softly, shaking your head before wiping powdered sugar from the corner of his mouth with your thumb.

Dex went still instantly.

The way he looked at you after moments like that still made your heart stumble. Like every small touch mattered enormously to him.

You grabbed his free hand before he could say anything and tugged him toward another stall.

“Come on,” you said, intertwining your fingers again. “I want some cotton candy before the ferris wheel.”

Dex followed immediately with a smile on his face as he looked at your interlocked hands.

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The Ferris wheel was slower than you expected. Higher too.

By the time your cart reached the top, the entire carnival stretched beneath you in glowing golds and reds and pinks beneath the night sky.

Beautiful. You thought while resting your head against Dex’s shoulder as the wheel paused.

For a while neither of you spoke as you enjoyed the quiet and the scenery below. Your fingers gently playing with his while the lights reflected across his face.

“You happy?” you asked quietly, moving your head to look up at him.

Dex looked at you immediately. “Yes.”

The honesty of it warmed your chest as Dex’s thumb brushed gently over your knuckles.

“I like hearing you laugh.” He whispered. 

The soft confession hit you straight in the chest because he had never admitted something this vulnerable before. 

Your throat tightened unexpectedly.

“You hear it a lot lately,” you whispered.

“I know.”

“You’re the cause of it a lot lately as well.” You confessed, leaning back into his side. 

“I am?” He whispered again as something vulnerable flickered across his face then.

Something warm.

Instead of answering, you leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss against his jaw as his eyes fluttered closed and his arm tightened around you. 

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After the Ferris wheel ended, the two of you were walking hand in hand around the carnival, taking in the sights you had just seen from above, when a man shoved into you before continuing through the crowd with no apology. 

But Dex reacted instantly.

One second he was warm beside you, then the next he was sharp and dangerous. 

You saw it immediately in the way his face turned cold, how his shoulders tensed, the way his hand drifted towards the handful of small knives that you know he always kept on him, and in the way his eyes followed the man like he was prey.

How Dex quickly became Bullseye.

Your hand slid gently against his wrist.

“Dex.”

His attention snapped back to you instantly, and while the tension eased slightly, the dark look in his eyes didn’t fully disappear.

“He didn’t hurt me,” you said softly.

Dex stared at you for another second before nodding once, but his hand immediately found the small of your back afterward. The hold, while gentle, was protective. Possessive. 

And honestly? You kind of liked it.

⠈⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄

By the time you got home, your cheeks hurt from smiling.

You were breathless from laughing while trying to unlock your apartment door because Dex insisted on balancing four stuffed animals in one arm while carrying snacks in the other.

“You absolutely did not need to win me this many prizes.” You said, turning to look at him. 

“Yes, I did.”

“You’re insane.” You smiled, shaking your head. 

“You like me.” He teased. 

True. You thought warmly as you looked at him standing there beneath the apartment hallway lights, carrying ridiculous carnival prizes for you and smiling like he was the happiest man alive.

This man had become part of your life so naturally that the thought of him not being there anymore suddenly felt inconceivable.

Oh, you love this man. 

Your chest tightened softly.

The apartment door finally unlocked, and before you could overthink anything, you grabbed the front of Dex’s jacket and pulled him inside while you laughed softly as one of the stuffed animals fell from his hands and onto the hallway floor.

“Careful,” Dex warned softly before kissing you deeply.

“You be careful.” You murmured against his lips. 

The sound of Miss Queenie opening her apartment door was what broke the kiss as your sweet elderly neighbour chose the wrong moment to leave her home. 

Taking one look at your flushed face and your hand tangled in his jacket while the stuffed animal was abandoned in the hallway, she smiled knowingly.

“About time,” she said, picking up her bottles of milk. “I’ve listened to her gush about you for far too long.”

Dex looked delighted at what she said while you froze in horror as she disappeared back into her home after revealing what you thought was a secret between neighbours. 

“I’m moving apartments,” you muttered.

“No, you’re not.” Dex said before kissing you again. 

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