#over stimulated

“Doesn’t sound like everything’s fine.” His voice came from the doorway.

“My fucking headset broke.”

“The sound proof one?”

“The sound proof one.” You affirm, picking it up to show him. They were expensive and a gift from several years ago. It makes sense that the plastic would be worn down by now but it was still so inconvenient for them to break.

You wore them everywhere, doing everything. They were soothing and comfortable and now one ear piece dangled by wires.

Sniffing you turn away from him. “I’m being stupid.”

“Oh darling.” Price comes up behind you, a comforting hand on your waist. “It’s okay, you’re not being stupid. Let’s figure out some options, okay?.”

-

“I found one!” You shove your phone in Prices face shaking it around.

“It’s on eBay. Super cheap. It will be here in two days.” You grin settling back on the couch.

“Are you sure that’s the one you want luv?” Price asks his forehead creased.

You nod ignoring his tone. “I needed something and this will work until I’ve saved more.”

“Okay.” Price goes back to what he was doing for a moment until. “But you liked the old one, right?”

You nod. Still on your phone.

“Like, the color and everything?”

Finally looking up from your phone you look at him curiously.

“Yes. Why?”

Price clears his throat, smacking his palms against his thighs getting up.

“Christmas.” He mutters.

-

You’re finally home from a days worth of errands, with your shitty headset that kinda works but isn’t fully soundproof.

Setting down your wallet and phone in the kitchen you pour yourself a drink.

“Darling.”

Turning toward familiar voice you find Price, his mustache tilted up as he gently smiles at you.

“Hey babe.” You say, melting into his arms and burying your face in his shoulder.

“Rough day?”

“A bit.” Your voice muffled against the fabric.

“Hmm. I might have something that can make it a bit better.”

“Oh really.” Pulling away you look at him trying to read the expression on his face.

Price only smiles, separating himself from you.“Stay here and close your eyes.”

“Okay.” You close your eyes waiting to hear his footsteps return.

“Hold out your hands.” His voice sounded from right in front of you. You feel something smooth and heavy against your hands. “You can open.”

Opening your eyes tears start to prick at the corners.

“You bought it.” The exact same soundproof headset you had but brand new and unbroken. “Oh John you didn’t have to.”

“I felt bad.” He shrugged. “You used them all the time.”

“But you didn’t do anything to break it.” You say with a sniffle, carefully setting it down on the counter to open it.

“Accept the gift.” He kisses your hair gently. “I didn’t want you to worry about it.”

“Thank you.” You say softly, lifting your head to kiss him.