#day16

Who had slept soundly through the night. As the pattering rain poured down through the night. Soothing the little baby to sleep. 

And sitting on the front porch now, a hot coffee in your hand. 

You would’ve had no idea it had rained. 

As the sun shone so brightly. 

Glistening in the sky. 

As though it didn’t wail and cry in the night. 

A creak sounds out, as Amy walks out to stand by your side. 

Sighing softly as she grasps her own warming cup of coffee. 

“Thank you again for coming–”

“I missed you, and besides it’s a lot easier for me to visit you than vice versa,” you cut her off. 

Smiling softly at you, “It’s been really nice having some company. Theo’s great but he’s not exactly a thrilling conversationalist”

You laugh at her words. 

Before you can say anything further, both of your eyes dart across from you. A loud creak sounds out, as a gushing rush of water falls down. 

The gutter snapping from the pressure as it floods the ground. 

You wince at the sight. 

While Amy pinches her brow. 

“I knew I should’ve cleaned those sooner”

Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, you give her a squeeze in support. 

“Hey, it’s ok. It’s just a bit of water. We should be able to fix it”

And as though he was summoned. A car pulls up. 

You send Amy a questioning look. 

“Oh, that’s Dennis”

“The doctor from PTMC?”

“Yeah, that’s the one”

“What’s he doing here? Don’t tell me you’re sick”

“Wha–No, no. I’m not sick.” She exclaimed, “He just comes to help every now and again”

“When you say every now and ag–”

“Shh– Don’t let him hear you”

The young man walks up to you both, his sleeves pulled up. Mousy brown curls of his hair shine beneath the light, as his eyes brighten at the sight of you both. 

Only to frown as he spots the now broken gutter. 

He lifts a finger to point at it while glancing at Amy. About to ask. 

But all words are caught in his throat. 

The wind in his lungs simply knocked out of him.  

As his eyes catch sight of you. 

Hair a little messy, a little tangled, just gently brushed through. 

Sleep still present in your eyes. 

But there was a homeliness about you. A calm. As you sipped on the steaming cup of coffee in your hand. 

Your eyes observing him. 

A little amused to watch his mouth open and shut. 

“Morning Dennis” Amy waved cheerily. 

And just perhaps. 

She too had noticed how you had caught each other’s eye. 

How Dennis had seemed to be captivated by you. 

While an amusement glinted in your eyes. Interested by the doctor, Amy had talked about a fair few times before. 

He nodded towards Amy in greeting, “Morning,” walking briskly to close the distance. 

“Oh, hi, uh–I’m Dennis it’s good to meet you,” as he stuck out a hand towards you. 

Smiling at him while you grasp his hand with a small shake. 

Introducing yourself, “I’m a friend of Amy’s” 

“Dennis here likes to come help sometimes, reminds him of home–Oh is that Theo I hear, I should go check on him, might need a diaper change or maybe a feed–”

“I don’t hear him,” your words trail off as you watch her shift. 

Amy simply shrugs off your questioning gaze, waving at you both while she disappears inside. 

Leaving you alone with Dennis. 

“So this place makes you think of home?” you ask, thinking over Amy’s words. 

“Hm?” He blinks in question before he catches on, “Oh, yeah. I grew up on a farm in Nebraska”

“Oh, that’s pretty cool”

“So you’re friends with Amy?” 

“Yeah, I was friends with Teddy, practically did everything I could to push him into her arms when we were kids,” you say lightly, before a somberness seeps in, “Amy told me you really helped her a lot when he uh–passed”

“I am really sorry about that–”

“Thank you,” you shake off his words. As considerate as they were, they weren’t necessary. 

He pulls his lips tight, unsure of what to say next. 

You made him feel lost for words. 

You had this look about you. 

An effortlessness. 

That made his mouth dry, heart racing, as his skin tingled, as though coursed by a burst of electricity.  

You seemed to glow beneath the early morning sun. 

Clasping your hands together, you twisted to turn, walking towards the shed. 

Calling over your shoulder, “You coming or what Sunshine? The gutters not going to clean itself” 

Eyes widened as he scrambles to job after you, “Uh, yeah. No, of course”

He falls into step beside you while you both rummage through the shed, gloves, buckets, a shovel and a ladder. He grasps them all as you hand them over. 

Rolling up your sleeves, you nod in satisfaction. 

“Guess we better get started then”

“Are you sure you want to help, I don’t mind doing it myself,” he offers, 

While you shake your head, and pat his shoulder, “Don’t worry about it, there’s a lot of gutter to cover, if there’s two of us working on it, the quicker we can finish,” you smile.

As he nods, “Sounds good” 

Climbing steadily and carefully as you help each other work through cleaning the gutters. 

Making light conversation. 

You listen to his stories from work. Or the things he enjoyed while being on the farm. 

And you rambled on about how the fresh air was something you loved. How there was something different about being away from the city. 

How the air felt lighter, clearer. Crisp. 

He smiled as you spoke, and laughed when you’d say something witty. 

But there were moments of silence that would form between you both. 

Not awkward or stuffy, but comforting. 

Assured that the other was there even if no words were spoken. 

It was something you had never felt before. 

Without even realising it. Your eye line would drift, to focus on Dennis, noticing how he seemed to glow beneath the sun. 

And as soon as his eyes met yours, a small smile would form on his face, while you’d feel a heat rise to his cheeks, averting your gaze to focus upon your hands. 

You don’t know how long you both were at it. 

But you had fallen into a rhythm. 

It seemed so small. 

And mundane. 

But you had felt so truly happy just working alongside him. 

And Dennis felt equally as enthralled by your company. Perhaps even a little unsteady on the ladder as he’d seen you flash a smile his way. 

The day carried on like that. 

As you and Dennis worked in tandem to complete the chores around the farm. You’d ask him questions about what he was doing. 

Why he did things a certain way. Most times chalked up to habits he had picked up whilst growing on the farm. 

One thing caught him off guard as you were both simply mending a fence line. 

“So what made you go into medicine, instead of – you know, farming?” 

His brows furrowed in thought. 

It wasn’t the first time he had been asked this. But for some reason, coming from you it felt different. 

He wanted to be more open. 

“Cause we lived so rurally, it wasn’t always easy to come by healthcare. That was something a lot of us struggled with…I think deep down growing up I’d always wanted to help others. And while I love farming, it didn’t fulfill me."

“That’s really admirable, I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision,” you said sincerely. 

“Thanks…It wasn’t easy to get here, but it’s starting to pay off,” he smiled softly. At times he had doubted his skill, his ability to be a doctor. But now. He was starting to see things through a different lens. 

A confidence started to brew within. 

“One day I’d like to practice rural medicine, to help fill that need.”

“I’m sure your family’s very proud of you”

“I’d like to think so” 

As the evening drew closer, the chores were now done for the day. You and Dennis walked back to the farmstead. 

Saddened that your time together was drawing to an end. 

Amy stood at the front door, little baby Theo in her arms, as you swooped him into your grasp as he held out his arms for you. 

Giggling softly as his little chubby hands reached to grab your nose, little bubbles blowing from his mouth. 

Dennis’ chest swelled at the sight of you. All sweet and warm. 

All throughout today, he couldn’t help but notice your strength, independence, your kindness. How the laughter that spilled from you was endlessly infectious. 

How your smile’s brightness could rival that of the sun. 

How the words you spoke were as soft as the wind that rustled the tall grass. 

He had barely scratched the surface of knowing who you were. 

And already. 

He was completely enraptured by you. 

Amy noticed the gaze in his eye. How Teddy had once looked at herself the very same way. 

The memory was bittersweet. 

Perhaps it was time she returned the favour to you. 

As she walked to stand by Dennis’ side. Thanking him again once more for his help. She murmured, softer, quieter for his ears only. 

“She’s single you know…”

He blinked in surprise, “What–”

She elbowed him as she continued, “I see the way you look at her, I also noticed the way she looked at you. So you should go for it. Life’s too short to wait around for something like this.”

Her words held something deeper than mere encouragement. A truth rang out as she spoke the words of life’s fleetingness. 

Amy knew all too well what it meant to not have enough time. 

What it meant to have a love cut short. 

If she could help it. 

She winked at him subtly, as she walked back over to take Theo in her arms. Muttering softly to you. 

He watched as your eyes flickered between Amy and him. 

Biting your lip. As she whispered, “Give him a chance” 

Your heart rate spiked. 

While she grinned, speaking louder, “Thank again you two, I’m going to take Theo in before he gets too cold” 

And just like this morning she leaves you both alone. 

Dennis shuffles his feet slightly, hands dug into his pockets. 

While you wrap your arms around yourself, both inching closer and closer together. 

“Uh thanks–”

“It was nice–”

You had both started, only to laugh as you realised your words overlapped each other. 

“You go first,” he offered. 

“Thanks for helping out today, well in general really. I’m sure Amy’s really appreciated it. And I–” you swallow thickly cutting yourself off. 

“And you what?” He questioned softly, wanting to know what was going on in that beautiful mind of yours. 

With a burst of courage you continued, “And I really liked spending the day with you”

You watched as his lips curled up, as he tilted his head endearingly, “I really liked spending the day with you too…It was nice to have the help” 

Breathing in deeply, he stands a bit taller. 

And you swear you catch him mutter, “It’s now or never–”

Looking you in the eyes, he asks, “Do you think we could spend more time together?”

“More time?” you question. 

“Yes-uh”

“Doing what?” you step closer, holding back the wide smile, as you observe him. “More farm chores?”

A heat creeps up his necks, he swears his cheeks are burning. 

“I was hoping we could go out…together?” he clears his throat, as he scratches the back of his neck from the nerves. “On a date”

A smile splits across your face, both of you mere inches apart. 

The distance had grown smaller and smaller without either of you realising it. 

In a swift moment, you leant up, and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek, as his eyes flutter from surprise. 

You lean back, balancing on the balls of your feet. 

“I’d really really like that”

“Great. I uh–”

“I’ll have Amy send you my number. Maybe we can go out for dinner, to spend more time together this Friday?” you offered. 

“Could it be Thursday?” 

“Eager are we?” you tease. 

“No I uh, it’s my day off that day, I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting if my shift ran over on Friday,” he stammered. 

His consideration warms your heart. 

“That sounds perfect” 

“I’ll–I’ll text you when”

“I’m looking forward to it, Sunshine. Drive home safe,” you smile with a wink, waving at him as you watch him leave. 

And if perhaps the grin Amy wears is just a bit too wide as you go back inside. 

If she seems eerily suspicious. 

You let it pass. 

Quick to have her send Dennis your number. 

As she murmurs to Theo, “Didn’t Mommy tell you that Auntie N/N and Dennis would make a nice couple? Oh yes I did, yes I did,” she giggled as Theo let out a wet bubbly laugh. 

To which you buried your fingers into his sides, tickling him. 

Grateful to these two little meddling matchmakers. Excited for what was to come. 

You had a feeling. 

That something really good was going to come from this. 

And to think. 

It all began with cleaning some gutters.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed. (I feel a little iffy about this one) but ultimately really love the idea of Amy playing matchmaker ♥️ (and literally just imagining Dennis working on the farm...you just know he's ripped from all the work, and just so handy ugh!!) Let me know what you thought. Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕

If you enjoyed, consider checking out my Dennis Whitaker x Former Army Medic!Reader Tread Lightly Series Feel free to find my Dr Robby x Wayne!Reader Rinse & Repeat Series Masterlist here 🩺 Or check out my overall Masterlist here

You lay half-draped over Levi, your head resting on his chest as you listen to the steady heartbeat beneath your ear. You never really realize how much you need moments like this until moments and conversations like this. 

“Do you think we’d ever get a pet?” you ask, tracing absent patterns against his shirt.

Levi considers it for a second, then says, “Not something loud. Or messy.”

You snicker against him. “So no dogs?”

“Depends on the dog,” he replies. “But… probably not.”

“A cat then,” you suggest, tilting your head slightly to look up at him. “Or a fish. We can name him Norman.”

He huffs a laugh and his gaze flickers down to meet yours. “A cat is fine.”

You smile, pleased, and you nestle back into him, already picturing a cat—you hope a black cat—curled up between the two of you on nights like this. You already know if you were to get a cat, it would get attached to Levi, and Levi would deny that he has any affection for the cat. You know that would be a lie.

“What about living situations?” you ask after a while. “Apartment forever, or house eventually?”

Levi sighs slowly, his hand now rubbing up and down your back, leaving goosebumps in his finger’s trail. “A house. Less noise. More space.”

“For what?”

He looks down at you. “For you.”

You have to hold back the urge to smile, and instead you just say, “I like the idea of a house. Somewhere a little quieter. Maybe not too far from the city, though.”

“That’s fine,” he says. You already knew it would be fine. It always is with him. He always adjusts to your preferences without causing a commotion. He always listens more than he argues. He always meets you halfway without ever needing to say it out loud. It’s one of the many things you love—and always will love—about him.

You shift your leg slightly and move it between his own. Your hand rests flat against his chest. “Any vacation ideas?”

Levi is quiet for a moment, then he eventually says, “Somewhere without a crowd.”

You laugh softly. “That narrows it down.”

“Mountains,” he adds. “Or somewhere by the water.”

“I was thinking the same. Maybe a little cabin.”

He nods once, like he can already picture it. You can, too. Enjoying nature to its fullest, having a cup of tea while watching the trees or the waves. You imagine nights shared in a temporary, warm space. 

“What about kids?” you ask, a little tactful now.

Levi doesn’t respond right away. For a good minute, he stays silent, humming once thoughtfully. You start to think you’ve broken him when he speaks.

“I’m not against kids,” he says after a moment.

You swallow, feeling a prick of guilt rising in your throat. “I don’t think I want them,” you admit, placing the words carefully between you.

There’s a brief pause and a breath. “That’s okay,” Levi says, just as simply as before. You look up at him again, searching his expression for hesitation or disappointment—something—but there’s nothing there except for softened eyes and a slight smile. He shrugs faintly. “I don’t really want to give up my sleep anyway.”

You huff out a small laugh, the tension in your body melting away instantly. “That’s your reasoning?”

“Is there a problem with it?”

You shake your head, nudging him lightly. “You’re silly.”

“I’m sane.”

You make a small noise of acknowledgement, then you tilt your head slightly, mischief creeping in as you walk your fingers along his chest. “Would you give up tea for me?” you ask, curious just to see how he reacts.

Levi freezes. His hand pauses on your back and he pulls back slightly to look at you. He doesn’t answer for a long moment, but you can see the war behind his eyes. “Don’t make me choose,” he says.

“Wow, so that’s where I rank?”

He exhales, eyes flicking up for half a second before returning to you. You see the difference in the lines of his face, now softened by a look that can only be described as a look of pure love and adoration.

“You. Always,” he says under his breath.

The words are simple, but they land in your stomach, sending butterflies fluttering through it. The feeling becomes too much to hold. You were half-joking when you asked him, but to hear him say it so sincerely has your heart beating harder than it should be.

“Levi…” you whisper. You lean up without thinking, closing the distance between you. Your hand slides up to cup his face as you kiss him, full of everything you don’t quite have the words for.

He responds immediately, one hand coming up to rest at the back of your neck, holding you there for just a second longer before you finally pull back, forehead brushing lightly together. Neither of you says anything after that. You just smile at each other.

Levi would never say it out loud—but for you, he’d choose this life every time.

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Bobby blushed but nodded.. “Yes, in the same bed. We’ll be more comfortable that way, and it’s not like I want to face this storm alone.”

Dogday gulped. “I mean, I can always take the couch…”

Bobby shook her head quickly. “No, really. I’d feel better if you were with me. It’s already late enough as it is.” Bobby genty pulled his hand. "Promise I won't bite."

Dogday couldn’t help but laugh, albeit shyly. “Well, when you put it that way… Okay, I’m in. But fair warning, I might need to hold onto something if the thunder gets too loud.”

Bobby raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. “Well, as long as that ‘something’ happens to be me, I think we’ll be just fine.”

She lead him to her room, the storm outside seemed to boom only half as hard as Dogday’s heartbeat. Yet it also made the space feel cozier despite the crackling tension in the air. They settled into bed, a timid excitement bubbling up as they cuddled close. 

Dogday was hyper-aware of her warmth, the scent of her fur, and the steady rhythm of her breathing. It felt right, yet the newness of it all made his pulse race.

Another boom of thunder rolled through, and Dogday instinctively pulled her closer. 

“You weren’t kidding about needing to hold onto something, huh?” Bobby teased.

Dogday smiled sheepishly. “Guess not.” He glanced around, “You know, this is pretty scandalous. What will our friends think?”

Bobby grinned, playing along. “They’ll probably be jealous they’re not getting a warm hug from someone as awesome as me.”

Dogday snickered as he eased his side into one of Bobby’s oversized pillows. “You’re probably right.”

At that moment, Bobby leaned in and began peppering his face and neck with soft kisses, each one sending a thrill through her dog friend, his tail thumping against the blankets wildly. Enraptured by her affection, he managed to joke, 

“H-hey, Bobs! You know, I’m starting to think you wanted the storm to get me into this kind of position!”

Bobby pulled back just enough to smirk at him, her eyes gleaming. “That’s a strong possibility, but I’ll admit nothing.”

A comfortable silence fell between them, the storm outside no longer feeling like a threat but more like a backdrop to this moment.

Bobby broke the silence with a soft voice, “You know, I’ve imagined this… falling asleep with you. It’s nice, even if I didn’t picture the thunder.”

Dogday’s heart swelled, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Me too. And I don’t care about the thunder as long as you’re here.”

Bobby giggled. “It can’t hurt you as long as I’m around.”

Dogday yawned. “My hero.”

Bobby smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the blankets wrapped around them. “Well, in that case, I guess we’ll have to make this a regular thing.”

Dogday chuckled, the sound soft and comforting as he started drifting into sleep. Finally his tail rested.

“I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

Each of the department heads had come prepared for their meetings with him, budgets in hand. Some of them only brought the final product. Others brought a cart full of supporting documentation.

Beifong had brought evidence. Because of course she had.

Uniforms that arrived moldy and torn from the manufacturers. Rusted bolts from Cabbage Cars that hadn’t yet been replaced since being purchased over twenty years ago.

Then there were the boxes of blueprints she had paid for from her own pocket. Ideas for renovations to police headquarters that had been scrapped at regular intervals under the old council.

He had followed the council’s budget deliberations for years. But he was beginning to see that he had not realized the depth and breadth of the task. When the Social Services board wanted to expand programs, he had to decide whether to pull the money from the police or the schools. The schools needed new teachers and buildings - and all the people who could make those buildings work - which had to be paid for.

The City and the Republic at large was swimming in jobless refugees. Who needed services, but couldn’t pay taxes.

He’d broken more than one law when he had called for the tax accounts for both Beifong and Sato.

Who, of course, had paid down to the last jiao and fen.

Unlike Varrick or the majority of the ministers who had made sure he won.