#hellraiser!mike

"Now head out before I call my assistant. Gotta figure out what this payment to the flower shop is all about."

"Oh, it was Valentine's this weekend," Mike explains. "Doesn't she normally get Mom flowers for you?"

Dad blinks a few times. "It was Valentine's already? Huh. Feels like it comes by earlier and earlier each year."

He shakes his head and motions for Mike to leave his home office.

Out in the living area of the penthouse, Mike spies a giant bundle of fresh flowers in the garbage. Mom must've already gotten in her social media photos showing them off and bragging. All the stuff she needs to make people think she's living her best life.

She walks up to him, glass of wine in her hand. "So, you think you're better than me and your brother?"

"What?"

"Going out on your own? Getting a real job instead of the job your father gets for you? You think you're better than us?" she seethes.

"No, of course not," he shakes his head, not making eye contact. Eye contact with Mom is taken as a challenge by her.

She huffs. "Damn right you're not. Won't be long before you're begging him for spending money like the rest of us. Debasing yourself for the bare minimum of attention. Losing yourself to his control over you."

Mike doesn't answer, just keeps his head down. This time of year is always tricky with her. Best to keep quiet and let her rant until she finds another target or needs to refill her wine.

When she finally slogs off for her next bottle, Mike hurries to his room. He really should have moved out already but he's gotta get the funds. Maybe someday he can move in with his Boss Lady. The thought makes him smile. But first, he's gotta get ready for their first date!

First date jitters were something you haven't experienced in such a long time. And certainly not to such an extreme. Not only is it a potential new relationship, but it's the first time you're with someone significantly younger.

What if you're a disappointment? You've never been any guy's first choice, why would that change with Mike?

Well, at least you and Mike have gotten to know each other a little bit before trying to date. That's something, right?

The two of you agreed to go to the same club where Maggie had taken you previously. It was an attempt to not feel so out of place, to know that you weren't getting disapproving looks and the like. Plus, you asked Maggie if she was willing to be at the club in case something went wrong. Sure, Mike acts like such a sweet puppy, but you still need to be careful.

Sitting at the table and waiting for him gives you even more time to contemplate how many ways you can screw this up.

You're startled out of your thoughts by a small bouquet of gladiolas.

"Hi! I remember you saying how much you love gladiolas, but also that you're allergic to them so I got you some fake ones! I hope that's okay."

"I love them," you answer truthfully, beaming at the beautiful bouquet. It's incredible that, with just one gift, Mike shows that he's paying attention to your wants and needs. You're not sure you've had that before. At least not without expressly saying what it is you were wanting.

Mike sighs in relief before sitting across from you.

You lean forward a little, resting your elbows on the table and notice how his eyes are immediately drawn to your breasts. He catches himself and sheepishly looks into your eyes, gently biting his lower lip.

Trying to hide how much the look affected you, you smirk, "I think it's important we set up some...boundaries? Expectations? We work in the same building and it wasn't that long ago I was your boss. I want to be sure we're not breaking rules or getting either of us in trouble."

"Okay, yeah, that makes sense," he nods. He looks like he's scared he's already doing things wrong. Something you can truly relate to.

You gently take his hand. "It's okay," you coo. "We're both a little out of our depth here and that's why I want to make sure we're careful. Don't want to trip over a divot we could've seen coming."

Mike blushes a little at the touch. "I get it, I promise!"

"Thank you for that," you smile at him.

Truly you are grateful. How many men have bulldozed over your concerns? Called you frigid because you wanted boundaries? Demanded you make them your priority and never expect them to do the same for you?

"And I need you to know that you have agency here, too," you encourage. "It's not just me setting boundaries for the office, it's you as well. It's not just me getting my needs met, it's you too. You're allowed to tell me if you feel like I'm not giving you enough attention, or too much. If one of my boundaries or requests isn't fair to you."

Mike looks like he could cry. "I understand. And thank you! I've never really done the relationship thing before so I'm glad I've got you helping, leading the way and all that."

The next hour or so is spent talking, drinking a bit and snacking. Mike is eager to show off by regularly going to fetch you refills and you let yourself admire his posterior before he disappears into the crowd.

You're also not sure how it happened, but you find yourself sitting closer and closer to him, your chair moving inch by inch. Probably his chair as well, given how you're both placed now. The proximity is comforting, relaxing, safe. You even let yourself touch his arm more often, occasionally his leg. He leans into your touch when caress his cheek. You make sure to remind him he can tell you "no" at any time. He doesn't think he ever will.

By the time you're ready to call it a night, you make sure to make plans to meet up again. He looks like he wants to kiss you goodnight, but isn't sure how or if it would be appropriate. So you help him out by bringing him in for a deep, heated, passionate kiss like you've always wanted.

When you let go, he's got a dazed, but happy look on his face that makes you feel so damn sexy.

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Mike's face brightens at that. Positive feedback isn't something he's used to, especially when it's sincere. Mike doesn't trust many people but Mr. Pine and Mr. Syverson have proven themselves to be trustworthy.

"Your supervisor in the Accounting Department made several points showin' how you've grown yer skills," Mr. Syverson adds.

Mike blushes at the thought of you praising him. He tries to keep it under control, but he can only do so much. Really, he should be grateful the other men aren't asking further questions or poking fun. Despite everything he's seen about the "real world" he likes to think this is the kind of professionalism he can find when he gets a permanent job.

"And it is with these items in mind that we would like to offer you a job," Mr. Pine continues. Mike's eyes widen in surprise and Mr. Pine smiles softly. "One of the things we've been trying to do with our IT department is to have a couple of people who prioritize 'customer service' as it is. People who can focus on tickets from within the company."

"We've already got Jake workin' on that," Mr. Syverson explains. "But he's only one person and there's only so many people in the department he can rely on to be nice to other people in the department. Some of 'em have gotten better and we've been getting fewer complaints, but people don't generally go into IT to work with others."

"Not to mention, getting assigned a ticket can be disruptive to their projects," Mike adds, nodding his understanding.

"Exactly," Mr. Pine's face lights up. "But with the feedback we've received, we believe you could be good for such a position. Not only were your people skills listed as a strength, but you've also got experience with our systems, how we run things here, and the like. You would be working under Jensen, and it's only part-time until you graduate. But, upon graduation, we would be happy to hire you on full-time. If that is something you would like."

Mike can barely contain himself. "Um...can I...how long do I have to give you an answer?"

"I understand this is the last week of your internship, so we'll give you until the end of the week."

"Thank you, sirs! I'll definitely have an answer for you by then!"

It's your last meeting with Mike and, even though you knew it was coming, you still feel sad that you likely won't be seeing much of that adorable, high energy, young man. Given that Pine asked you for a report on him, it's likely he's going to be offered something more permanent, but that doesn't mean he'll take the offer. You wouldn't blame him for not doing so, he's young and has so much potential. At the very least, he probably has something lined up at his father's company.

"Hey Boss!" Mike beamed as he entered your office, startling you out of your thoughts. You're really going to miss him.

"Won't be calling me that for much longer," you smile softly. "I hope you don't mind but, as this is our last meeting, I got you a little something." Mike leans forward, eyes sparkling and you can't help the mental comparison to a puppy who's been offered a treat.

Reaching into one of your desk drawers, you pull out a rubber ducky wearing a blazer, similar to the ones you wear. You know that programmers often use rubber ducks to talk out problems with their coding but Mike has told you that talking to you helps him more. Given how his smile widens, you think he appreciates the gesture.

"This is awesome, Boss!"

"I'm also going to give you some personal contact information, should you ever need it," you add. His face softens, looking like you've given him a priceless treasure. "If you ever need a reference, or in case of emergency you don't want to have family 'help' you with, feel free to give me a call."

"That's..." Mike looks like he might cry. "I can't...um...that's incredible but..."

"If it's too much, I can rescind," you reassure. "Just use my professional information if you need a reference."

"That's not the problem," he raises his hands to stop you. "I just..." he lets out a breath. "I have to confess something."

He looks so pained, uncomfortable, about all of this. You're worried you've overstepped, but the best thing you can do is listen so you nod to encourage him to talk.

"I...I saw you at that..at the...the cougar club," he admits. Your eyes widen in surprise as heat rushes to your face. You open and close your mouth several times, unsure of what to say or where this is going.

Mike continues, "I...I was there because, well, because, I've...I've had a crush on you. I was...I was kinda hoping going would...would let me get over that because I didn't think you'd be interested." He takes a deep breath to steady himself, grateful you're just listening. "Peter is a buddy of mine and...I bolted as soon as I saw you flrting with him. I didn't...didn't want to cock block him or something but...You remember when I was being surly? Withdrawn? You thought it was midterms or something? I was...still trying to shut down, to not...to not think about you in that halter top, looking sexy as hell. Couple weeks ago, Peter confessed nothing happened between the two of you and...and I thought...maybe, now that I'm not working under you, maybe...maybe you'd like to go out sometime? But then you offered up your phone number without me asking and...I can't...I can't take it if you don't know..."

Silence falls between the two of you and Mike starts fidgeting, worried he'd overstepped. He knows you're thinking, he recognizes the tells, and knows you need quiet. But he's aching for some kind of response. He needs to know.

"Well," you finally speak. "Now that you're not my intern, I'm...I'm certainly willing to try. You're handsome, of course, but also have a good heart, smart mind. I'm...how about we start with dinner next week?"

Mike vibrates in the chair and you smile softly. "Thank you, so much, for giving me a chance! I'm gonna tell Mr. Syverson I'll accept their job offer!"

You blink a few times. "What?"

"Oh, they offered me something permanent here, but I wasn't going to accept if you didn't share my feelings," he confesses. "Part time until I'm done with college at the end of the semester. Then I'll be here full time, working exclusively for the IT department."

You smirk and Mike feels his blood flow to his crotch. "Smart. But we'll still be starting with a simple dinner date."

"Yes, Ma'am," he breathes.

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Mike looks like he could cry. "I was going to tell them that, with so many people out of the office, it's a great time to actually focus on getting work done."

You nod in agreement. "Very good. I like that. Just make sure your hours are covered, you are an intern and we don't want you overworked or for us to be in legal trouble because you've gotten in too many hours."

Mike nods excitedly, "yeah! Of course! I'll double check with Mr. Pine or Mr. Syverson. Thank you, so much!"

You shake your head at how much of a puppy he can be. "Is there anything else?"

"Oh, yeah, um...the uh..." Mike flips through his notes. "Right! Bob and Staci are still fighting over how the expenses tables should be organized."

That makes you roll your eyes. "Yeah, those two can be a lot. But they're not your responsibility and you don't have to answer to them. I'll make the decision of the how they're organized and they'll just have to deal with it."

"Thank you! I swear Staci's been on a warpath since Halloween."

You let out a tired sigh, "agreed. But, she's my problem, not yours. Anything else?"

Mike looks through his notes, "umm...nope. That's it."

"Okay, you check with the IT department to see about those hours. Go ahead and email me with their response."

"Sure thing, Boss Lady!" Mike gives a playful salute before heading out.

"Okay, let me see how you look," Maggie calls from outside the bathroom.

You give yourself another look over in the mirror. It's been forever since you've been out specifically for the purpose of hooking up. And you've never gone out looking for someone younger.

The halter top dress was bought on impulse a few years ago when you were just looking to feel pretty. You were lucky to find something that had fit you, even if now it felt a little tight in some places.

Nervous, you open the door for Maggie's appraisal. She does this more often so you'll follow her lead.

"Oooo! Nice touch going for the halter top," she praises. "I can't tell you how much it makes the young men go crazy. The dark blue is definitely your color. The makeup is nice, might need a little more lipstick. But yes! This is a good look!"

You let out a sigh of relief.

Maggie grabs your arm. "Just remember, be confident and you'll have those cubs eating out of your hand."

"Do you have to call them that?"

"Well, only if they're into it, I suppose" she giggles.

Mike is almost jittery with excitement. This is going to be a very new thing for him, and several of the other guys. Sure, they should probably be studying for midterms, but what is college if not a time for sexual experimentation?

The club that Peter had found was an established place so it felt a lot safer, they could follow the leads of others to learn what's expected of them. T.J. and Kyle had made sure to dress up hoping for a rich woman to impress while Mike and Peter dressed as they would for any club.

Mike was already feeling nervous so wearing comfortable clothing helped. Especially with pants that weren't so...tight. He'd been exploring more of the videos in the "mature" category and he's at least self-aware enough to know tight pants are not the way to go tonight.

The guys hype themselves up and head out, all laughs and the appearance of confidence.

You are so very glad for Maggie's presence. Usually going out garners you very little, if any, attention. Now you're getting looks left and right. It's a little unnerving, even if flattering. But with Maggie at your side, you can follow her lead as she helps you navigate things.

When you get a moment to yourselves, she asks you for an assessment.

"Well, I'm not feeling the overly confident ones," you admit.

"That's fine," Maggie reassures. "Besides, I'll happily take them off your hands."

"Good luck with that Kyle character," you roll your eyes. "He very much believes himself to be a gift to women."

Maggie smiles smugly. "And he'll be that much more fun to upstage."

"He's in for quite the surprise when realizes how little he knows, huh?"

"Damn right!" She sips her drink before asking, "so if you're not into the over-confident ones, how do you feel about the shy puppies?"

"Eh, it's closer to what I think my pace is, but the shyer ones make me feel like a predator."

"Ah, I get that. So we need to find you someone on the puppy side of the scale but not the 'lost puppy' type."

"Didn't Kyle say he was here with friends? Maybe one of them is more my type and then you can keep his attention."

"Excellent idea!" Maggie exclaims. She looks around for Kyle and motions the young man over. "Kyle," she purrs, making the young man's breath hitch, "I don't suppose one of your friends would be the type to have a little less...bravado than you? My friend here isn't one for such..confidence like you have."

Kyle smirks and you have to fight to roll your eyes. He's cute, but so overly sure of himself. "Yeah, I think Peter would be delighted!"

Kyle looks around, gesturing at someone in the crowd. A young man with brown hair and brown eyes approaches with a shy smile.

"This is my buddy Peter Parker," Kyle beams. "He's always eager to please, aren't you?"

Peter blushes and you smile at him.

Not wanting the awkwardness to continue you ask, "so what are you majoring in, Peter?"

His eyes brighten and he gets a little animated, yeah, he's you're type. "Oh! I'm majoring in biochemistry with a minor in photography!"

"That's an impressive combination," you compliment, making his cheeks blush.

As the four of you chat, you find yourself relaxing and actually having fun. Peter is so smart, cute and sweet, pretty much everything you've been looking for. Maybe this could go somewhere?

On the other side of the bar, Mike is watching you and Peter flirt and he feels his heart drop. Sure, you're his boss, he shouldn't have feelings for you. Yeah, he agreed to go to this place in the hopes of not thinking about you when he jerks off. But seeing you possibly giving to Peter the attention you should be giving him has Mike feeling the urge to run.

Maybe if he told Peter you were his boss he'd back off? Shit, that might sound like Mike was staking a claim or something. Say you were off limits like that would cock-blocking, something the group had avowed to never do. Plus, maybe you need to get laid, too. And Mike doesn't want to keep you from your fun. No matter how selfish he wants to be, he has to be a bro and let Peter, and you, have fun.

But he doesn't have to stick around for it.

He messages the group that this place just isn't working for him. TJ agrees and says he and Mike will head somewhere else for their fun. Peter and Kyle probably wish him luck, but Mike doesn't bother checking. He just wants to forget about you and Peter.

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"So how are things going with the old bat?" Chaz taunts over dinner.

"Don't call her that!" Mike scowls. "She's my boss and she's awesome. You're just mad because she's too good for you."

Chaz scoffs and rolls his eyes. "So of course you're latching onto her like a lost puppy."

Mike slams a fist on the table only to be glared at by Dad.

"Ugh. Will you both stop your bickering?" Mom groans, already on her third glass of wine.

"Sorry, Mom," Mike mumbles. Chaz just rolls his eyes; he's not actually expected to apologize.

Dad returns to alternating between eating and working on his phone.

"Maybe I should take another crack at that cougar," Chaz goads, earning a silent glare from Mike.

Mike is looking forward to a night out with some buddies. They're trying out different bars and clubs and the next one is known to cater to older women. He's hopeful he can just get more visuals so he doesn't see your face again next time he's masturbating.

"I wish I could say this has been fun, Pete." You make sure to use your date's name so that he actually pays attention to what you're saying. "But you're clearly not interested and have just been flirting with the waitress the whole time so I'm going to go home."

"Yeah, probably for the best," Pete shrugs. "You want to tell your aunt it didn't work out or should I tell my cousin? They'll both be expecting something."

"We'll tell our respective relatives it just wasn't a match. If they ask for further details, I'll say you were clearly not interested and you can tell them I'm not your type. You know, the truth."

Pete half smiles. "Deal."

"Happy hunting," you reply, rolling your eyes as you stand up.

"To you as well," Pete chimes, raising his glass, clearly oblivious to your disdain.

Yet again, you're grateful you didn't expect anything to happen. Your aunt had called you to tell you her friend, Pete's cousin, was handsome, single and looking. You agreed to the date if only because you knew she'd never let it drop if you didn't go.

Once home, you draw yourself up a bubble bath and settle in with your tablet to read some Ao3 stories. Sure, there were plenty of story options, but they were harder and harder for you to get into. It was so rare to find something that spoke to you, an older woman who didn't desire someone to whisk her away, who didn't want children. The site was riddled with stories about older men. Maybe you were just getting too old for smut.

Or, maybe you just needed to try something new.

Searching through the tabs you look for something with "Older woman" that wasn't lesbian porn. After a bit more refining, you find a story that might do the trick. Sure, it's full of unrealistic happenings, but it's not like reality is giving you much to work with these days.

It isn't long until the younger man is making his older woman see stars. Your hand finds its way to your clit as you keep reading about the pleasure he gives. And all he seeks in return is praise, which he is certainly earning. Even from the perspective of a reader his eagerness has you biting your lower lip and spreading your legs as much as you can in the tub.

Setting your tablet down out of reach of the water, you use both your hands to take care of your needs. Fantasizing about a man who craves you. Not your looks, not your potential fertility, not your money. Just you. And he's happy to prove to you again, and again, how much he wants you.

As you come down from your climax, your brain more relaxed, you remember your friend, Maggie, talking about going out with the express purpose of picking up younger men. Maybe you should join her one of these nights. At the very least, a one night stand might help with your blood pressure.

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"Don't worry, Sweetie," Bucky squeezes your hand. "You're gonna ace this interview. You're smart, skilled, and the queen of customer service."

That last part makes you snort laugh and you're rewarded by his face scrunching up in a smile.

"Do you want me to go in with you or wait out here?"

"You've already done so much, even just getting me the interview. I need to know I can do this without you giving Jefferson meaningful looks or additions or anything."

"I understand," he nods. He gives you a small kiss on the cheek. "You've got this."

Curtis & Heart

The alarms go off and you spring into action. Chase is coding, you think. No! Not Chase. It's just another patient!

You push down all of your fears, anxieties, and focus on the work that has to be done. The doctor instructs you to prep the epinephrine while he begins chest compressions.

The next several seconds feel like an eternity but all you can do is go through the motions. Treat him like any other patient. Follow the doctor's orders. You've done this hundreds of times, no need for this one to be any different.

When his heart finally starts beating again, there's a collective sigh of relief. But the relief gets cut short for you when look up and realize Chase is awake and looking right at you.

Geralt & God

The monthly competition is coming to a close. God has a demanding lead this time. He wants to play at what Geralt did last time he was in the lead and preemptively move the rubber ducky prize to his desk. But he will be a good sport and set a good example.

Besides, with D&D as a regular outlet, they've found themselves more relaxed in general. They've not only found a safe space with each other, but with others as well. It's been good for them.

Jake & Sunshine

You and Jake are sitting at the dining room table doing your weekly schedule and budget check-ins.

"I know the company is catering the picnic, but I still want to make up a few things in case the twins are feeling picky that day," you tell Jake.

"I'm sure the caterers won't be offended," he reassures you. "Plus, depending on what you bring, the G's might also partake."

"I hadn't thought of that! I should make up some buttered noodles, just in case."

"You know you don't have to cook for everyone, Sunshine," he gently smiles. He leans closer to you and caresses your cheek. "I'm a little worried about you overworking yourself."

"I promise I'm not," you shake your head. "I just...Luke and Leia are getting more independent and soon they'll be off to school. I've gotta readjust my energy or something. I'm used to being needed 24/7 but now..."

Jake moves his chair next to you and holds you. "For what it's worth, I definitely need you 24/7. I couldn't function without you."

"That goes for both of us," you answer with a kiss.

Jonathan & Rose

You feel like you're taking a risk tonight. It shouldn't feel like that. Jonathan certainly isn't the one making it feel like a risk. But you still feel like it is.

After the encounter with your work friends, you'd wanted to have a simple night in. Jonathan had acquiesced and the two of you planned a dinner date where you'd cook together and curl up on the couch watching a new movie.

Since the date was happening at your place, you decided to take a risk, and let yourself dress comfortably. Sweatpants and your favorite t-shirt. It shouldn't feel like you're taking a big step, it's just comfy clothes, after all. But Jonathan's only ever seen you in your nicer clothes. Ones that fit you well.

It feels unfair, too. He's so handsome he could wear a crop top and booty shorts and still look good. Meanwhile you're scared to look like anything less than perfect.

There's a knock at your door. Too late to change now, you think.

When you open the door, Jonathan is there in jeans and a t-shirt. He looks at what you're wearing and smiles. "You look gorgeous."

Johnny & Darkangel2000

Johnny Storm, TheHumanTorch69, whatever name he goes under he's still a pain. He's followed up on his part of the agreement. He's helped you with some really bad people.

But you can't stop thinking about him, and that's a problem.

You're not used to guys doing as they promised. Being understanding. Wanting to help. Part of you wants to take him up on his offer of doing more, but you just can't risk being betrayed again.

Elsewhere in the world, Johnny finds himself unable to sleep because he's worried about you getting caught, getting in trouble, or worse. He really wants to step in, but if he does, there will be consequences and he's not sure he can handle those.

Lloyd & Maestro

"Yellow," you manage to wheeze out.

Lloyd immediately stops and goes into care mode. "What's going on, Maestro? What do you need?"

"Water," you rasp.

Lloyd winces at the sound of your voice but quickly gets the bottle of water by the bed. He knows he's been overdoing it. He knows he's been pushing you to your limits, and maybe even a little beyond. But he still can't fully figure out why he's doing it. And that scares him.

He holds you in his arms and tips the water bottle so you can drink from it.

"There's my good girl," he coos. "Thank you for using the color system. I'm so happy you did." Given your previous encounters with doms who didn't respect the system or the safewords, he has been worried you'd just let him get away with anything, too scared to try to speak out. He wants to make sure you know it's okay and that he will respect it.

Now if only he could figure out why he's so insistent yet scared of pushing you away.

Mike & Boss Lady

"Oh, one more thing, before we're done with our weekly meeting?" Mike pleads. You nod your approval. "I know the end of the semester is coming up, and I'm supposed to have made a bunch of progress on this project but...um..."

"How far behind are you?" you raise an eyebrow. You're genuinely surprised. The meetings with Mike, meetings with the department about the database have all been going well.

"I'm not! I'm just...I'm...um...if I can..."

"Take a deep breath," you gently urge.

He does as instructed. "I was wondering if you'd be interested in keeping me for another semester? I know I've got the database going well, but I also know there's a lot more I can do with it."

You nod. "We'll have to confer with Pine and Syverson down in IT, but I certainly don't have any objections."

Mike smiles, relief written all over his face.

Ransom & Bubbles

The car is silent. Ransom isn't sure where you're taking him, but he's not about to ruin what little progress he's made by speaking.

Well, he might have tried talking if only you weren't angrier than he's ever seen you. Come to think of it, he can't remember any time he's seen you angry. He's not sure how to react other than to let you take the lead.

The car pulls into a parking lot next to a small building with a sign that says "Community Mental Health" on it. You pull up to the entrance and park the car before turning to Ransom.

"I've accepted the apology, but you've not yet earned the forgiveness." Ransom nods, understanding. "Forgiveness is going to take a lot of work. And you're going to start by going into that building and setting up an appointment with a therapist."

Ransom's eyes widen a little. He looks so scared but you know this has to happen.

"For months now I've been pushing you to get a therapist. You've made a lot of progress, but you need professional help, just like I did. Just like I still do. This place does income-based payment for sessions, so no complaining that you can't afford it."

Ransom wants to run, panic, get away. He knows he needs the therapy, but actually doing it is something else.

Steve & Newbie

You and Steve are enjoying a picnic date at the local park. You're sat against a tree while he's laying on the ground, head in your lap. He's the picture of happiness with that dopey grin every time you run your fingers through his hair.

"Our friends have been having an interesting time," you comment.

Steve nods. "Bucky's girl is doing better, by the way."

"That's good," you sigh. "And Bubbles is ready to bite Nick's head off."

Steve chuckles. "I'm actually looking forward to seeing that. I know I'm not allowed to just throw punches, I'm just there in case things get out of hand, but still. It's gonna be quite a show."

"Thanks, again, for helping her out."

"That's what friends are for."

Syverson & Darling

"I've got you, Darlin'," Sy says, trying to console you.

Another negative pregnancy test. Another wave of crippling self-doubt. Certain you're everything your family said you were.

"How can you still want me?" you manage to ask between breaths.

Sy cups your chin and gently pushes your face up to look at him. "Because you're still the most amazing, intelligent, beautiful woman in the world. And I'm the luckiest man on earth because I get to call myself your husband."

His tone, his look, leave no room for argument. You know he means it when he says it. But that black pool of doubt runs deep, tempering your response to his earnestness.

You cuddle up with him, tears still coming, and just whimper, "I hope you're right."

Walter & Spitfire

The couch was delivered about a week after you'd bought it. Walter had helped you clean get rid of the old one and clean up your apartment to make sure the movers had the space they needed. Or as much as they could get from your shoebox sized apartment.

Thankfully the movers were professionals and had everything under control. You can't even imagine all the weird architecture they've likely encountered.

As soon as they're out the door, you look at Walter. "Ready to help me test this thing out?"

"Got a long weekend to do so," he chuckles. "How do you want to start?"

You consider for a minute before telling him, "we're going to order some delivery so we can test out that anti-staining crap they sold me on." Walter nods and you get close, pulling on his sweater so his face is level with yours. "And while we're waiting, we're going to see how much weight and force this thing can actually handle."

"Yes, ma'am," he grins.

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