#super fluffy

The trend consisted of telling you partner, you were getting ready to leave, when they thought you were staying over. You thought it would be fun to get a reaction out of your boyfriend, especially because you know how much you both cherished the time you spent together. So, you were curious – how would he react to you cutting your time short?

So one night, after you spent a lovely evening together, you decide – now or never. Clark had attempted to cook a meal and this time it was even edible! Afterwards the two of you cuddled up on the couch, watching some random movie, neither of you paid any real attention to.

Once the film was over, it was clear that you would now get ready for bed, before falling into bed together. So, you took your opportunity.

“I think I’m going to head out now, so you can get to bed, Clark,” you told him casually while pushing the blanket the two of you shared off and getting up from the couch. Your boyfriends head whipped into your direction, the biggest puppy-eye look on his face. If you just told him his family had died, you think he might wear the same expression.

“What? Why are you leaving?” Clarks expression changed from super sad to almost alerted. You could see how he wants to reach out for you, but holds back, because he’s so confused about the situation. He folds his hands together, locking his fingers between each other to stop himself. You could see how his thumb starts to go along his hand and pointer finger, trying to self-soothe- It almost broke your heart to see him like this.

“Just because. We both have to get up early tomorrow.” You’re surprised about how calm you can get the words out, how you’re not laughing at the situation. Though you could never laugh at you boyfriend when he wore such a sad expression on his face.

“I thought you were staying over tonight?” His face was back to sad puppy, his fingers continuing to go along his hand, though you can see him clench them together now. You’re starting to really feel bad for him with how genuinely confused he seems.

“No, I thought I’d go home, so we get to work on time tomorrow,” your voice was softer now and the way his shoulders seemed to hunch over even more made your heart crack. His eyes where turned downwards when he stood up, shoulder still hunched over and the blanked you shared just moments ago hung off one of his shoulders.

“Oh- uhm, I mean if you want to go home, that’s fine. You need any help with getting you stuff?” His voice was quiet when he told you, it was obvious he was hurt but didn’t want you to notice. When you harmless prank seemed fun in the beginning, you now felt bad for making Clark feel like you didn’t want to spend more time with him.

So, you reached out and put a hand on his wrist, stopping him before he could turn away. You caught his attention with a soft Clark and he immediately turned around to listen to you.

“I’m sorry baby, I’d love to stay over today.” At you words his whole face lit up, the soft frown leaving his face once his eyes made contact with yours.

“Really?” you were glad to hear the hope in his voice again and nodded.

“Yes, of course, Clark,” a smile appeared on your face when he moved his arm so he could take your hand in his and pull you closer. He wrapped his arms around you and put his chin on the top of your head. Without hesitation you move to put you hands around his torso as well.

After a moment, he asked, "What changed your mind, sweetheart?"

A sigh left your lips, the guilt creeping in again. "Nothing changed my mind," if you could see his face, you'd probably laugh at the way his brows furrow, "I just recently saw this trend online where you tell you're boyfriend you're leaving when you're about to stay over. I thought it would be fun, but I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I want you to know I always want to spend time with you, Clark."

His heart melted at your words, his hands tightening around you.

"It's fine, just never give me a heart attack like that again," at that you both had to chuckle a bit, "I also really love spending time together and I know Superman sometimes cuts our time short. So I try to always sqeeze in a bit of extra time with you."

Hearing this, you lean back a bit to connect you lips with his. You were sure that from now on, you'd spend every night possible sleeping over, cherishing the time you have together.

a/n: i hope you liked this, if so please leave some notes, likes, reblogs and comments! feedback is very appreciated!

please also consider supporting my ao3: @ softestqueeen

requests open! (now also for superman)

See this is where my brain instantly goes to.

Imagine this version of Higgs. When he was Peter. Shy, awkward, and nervous, Peter is just starting out as a porter. Just getting his footing, he feels like he is doing something right in the world. He certainly gets a boost when people praise him for going out of his way to help, but it’s never enough. He wants to feel wanted on a deeper level.

Years of being beaten, cussed at, be called less than nothing. That does something to a person; he craves the warmth of a gentle hand. He wants to hear that he matters, that he belongs to someone.

He seeks it out in everyone he meets, but he always ends up disappointed. Then, he gets the bright idea of seeking a higher power. A notion that seems silly, given the world he lives in…but it wouldn’t hurt to try. So he researches, book after book from various religions to see if anything calls out to him. Finally, he finds it, his answer.

You.

The goddess of the lost, the guiding light. You weren’t well known, but you are powerful, beautiful. Paintings and sculptures in your name were tough to find. It doesn’t bother Peter, though; once he gets the scent, he is on it like a bloodhound.

He tries everything to get your attention, any trinket he could find. Any ritual he can perform to have your blessing. So you can imagine when you don’t appear, he gets upset. Plopping on the ground only to punch it. Fucking typical, he’s so worthless he can’t even summon a goddess. He could feel the hot tears streaming down his face, wiping them away in anger. God, he was stupid, so fucking stupid!

“Why do you cry, little one?”

The voice scares him, booming but gentle at the same time. Seeing how you practically fill the night sky, lying on your side.

He did it? Did he actually do it?!

The paintings do not do you justice; he almost forgets to speak, taking in your golden glow. You give him a sweet smile, propping your head up.

“Cat got your tongue, cutie?” Peter snap out of it!

“I-I didn’t think you would show up,” he admits.

“I always show up for those who feel lost and lonely, and you have got to be the loneliest one I have ever seen.”

Was it really that obvious? The familiar feeling of shame bubbles within him.

“Don’t take it the wrong way!” You continue. “I have been watching you for a while; your singing was what caught my attention.”

It did? He felt he was a decent singer, but enough to get a goddess’s attention?

“I’m sorry if I didn’t appear sooner. I have not been called in so long; I almost thought it was too good to be true.”

Peter’s eyes widened, and he could feel the shame wash away. He actually did it; he called upon a beautiful goddess, and she appeared!

“Oh no! It’s okay, I mean…I didn’t think I was worthy enough but-“

“You are worthy,” you cut him off. “You are more worthy than you give yourself credit for. I never want you to say that ever again.”

Immediately after sinking into bed, the sheets feeling so good against your freshly shaven legs— it took no time at all for you to slip into a much needed slumber. You didn’t know you could sleep so soundly, so well. Most nights consisted of rolling and waking up occasionally in sweats. Tonight was the first, as you slept through the entire night, waking only the next morning.

You were excited to start off your Saturday after a good nights rest, except when you went to get up— you noticed you were still exhausted. It was then you could feel your back ache, all your limbs heavier than usual. You furrowed your brows in confusion, thinking perhaps you had gotten too much sleep. But as you swung your legs over the edge of the bed, you suddenly felt something wet in between your thighs.

Glancing down, ripping the cover off— everything dawned on you at the sight of red smearing the inside of your thighs, your underwear ruined.

Fucking periods.

You knew getting that good of sleep was too good to be true. You could feel the tears working their way up, your nose burning with frustration. You had just cleaned and changed all your sheets, taken a shower. Now everything, including you were dirty again— like you had never done any of the cleaning to begin with.

You knew it was just your emotions running wild, so you willed your tears to stay away. Sucking in a deep breath, you walked to the bathroom sluggishly. You made it your mission to grab a pill before the cramps started— you had learned your lesson. Although you were starting your period, you were not going to let this ruin your weekend. You were going to have a nice relaxing weekend. Not letting the beauties of being a woman ruin your day.

If only you had kept that attitude up for the entire day. The cramps had come as you expected, but this time the pill did nothing to relieve the pain. The heating pad worked only for a few minutes before the pain came crashing in waves, your body attempting to curl in on itself from the discomfort.

You swore a ghost was digging a knife in your uterus, and right now— you’d appreciate if the ghost just ripped out your uterus completely.

You had holed yourself up in your room, only making it downstairs for breakfast before you were running back to your bathroom to empty the contents of your stomach back out. This was definitely one of the worst periods you’d had in awhile, and you just wanted to slip into a coma until it was over.

Knocking sounded from your door, and you rolled over still clutching your stomach. You looked a mess, you felt like a disaster. Periods always made you feel gross.

“Yeah?” You asked out loud, and you couldn’t hide the discomfort from your tone.

“(Y/n)? You okay?” Bucky asked through the door.

Your eyes widened at his voice, wondering what he was doing here.

You and Bucky had been dating for awhile now, and things had been great. You still managed to get flustered by practically anything he did— and he loved every second of your flustered state. There was one thing that was brought up though— and that was periods.

“Uh— yeah I’m fine! Just tired!” You shouted, nervous that he could sense your lie. He definitely could.

It’s not that you thought he’d judge you for being a woman and having a period. But you were shy to show him that vulnerable side of you. Both you and him had shown the soft sides of each other— clinging to each other when you needed each others comfort. But there was something extra vulnerable about this— and you couldn’t ignore the embarrassment you felt when you even thought of it. You didn’t want him to find you gross, or annoying as you whined.

Okay… I guess you were a little nervous that he’d judge you.

“Doll what’s going on? Can I come in?” He asked, his voice growing more concerned.

You pulled the cover over your legs, giving the room one last once over— it didn’t look terrible. You just wished you could have a minute or two to tidy up. You knew Bucky very well though, and he’d break the door down if you waited one more second.

“Of course, come in!” You announced finally, taking a deep breath, hoping a cramp didn’t hit you while he visited.

The door opened and Bucky peeled his head in first, after making eye contact with you— he sent a warm smile before heading all the way in, shitting the door behind him. He quickly made his way to the bed where he plopped down, looking over you concerned.

“Baby what’s going on? I feel like I haven’t seen you much today. You sure you’re just tired? You aren’t getting sick are you?” He rambled on, and your heart swelled at his concern.

“Buck— I’m fine really. Just didn’t sleep too good last night.” You completely lied, last night was the best sleep you had ever had. Too bad it leaked into today though.

He furrowed his brows and looked at you like he was about to figure you out— see right through you and pick out the lies. You wouldn’t be surprised if the serum gave him those abilities.

“You know you can tell me anything, right?” He asked softly, scooting closer so he could slip his hand underneath the covers to land on your bare thigh.

It was meant to be a comforting gesture, but you feared you’d get blood on him. You knew that was a silly thought— but you were paranoid.

He noticed you tense up from his touch and immediately he removed his hand, his face growing more concerned.

“Baby, what is it?” He pried, trying to look you over again— needing to know what the cause of your discomfort was.

You sighed and gave in, shoulders sagging in defeat. You didn’t want him to worry, and seeing his frantic eyes search you for a wound— you realized you were making this bigger than it needed to be. You just couldn’t ignore the embarrassment you felt.

“It’s just uh… I’m… I’m on my period Buck.” You mumbled, lowering your eyes to the bed.

His concerned expression melted away, his heart falling back into a regular rhythm. He knew he was prehistoric— but he knew what a period was. He just didn’t know why you wanted to hide it from him.

“Oh.” He finally said, “Doll— you can tell me things like that.”

“I know Buck but… it’s embarrassing and gross. I can usually deal with it and nobody ever notices— you know because it’s a normal thing.” You told him, playing with the edge of the comforter. “This one has just been pretty bad and… I just— I don’t know.”

You trailed off, avoiding his gaze. Bucky reached his hand over and tucked some stray hairs behind your ear. Tracing his fingers down your jaw to raise your chin up— that way he could look into your eyes.

“You’re not gross, okay? I’m sorry you’re in pain baby— I wish I could take it all away. It’s not fair you have to deal with this all the time.” He told you gently, and you leaned into his touch.

“It’s not usually this bad but… I don’t know, I guess it’s just a bad one this time around.” You assumed.

Before you could say anything else, you doubled over as the pain came back— stabbing into your uterus. You clutched your lower abdomen— hoping it would help relieve the pain. Bucky’s eyes widened at your whine.

“What can I do to help?” He rushed out, hands hovering over you.

If it were any other time, you’d find his protective, mama bear mode adorable. But for now— you were too busy being in pain.

“Just stay with me please? I don’t wanna lay here alone.” You admitted, your words coming out in whimpers.

Bucky wasted no time in kicking his shoes off, shimming his jacket off before he crawled back into the bed, sneaking under the covers. He leaned back against the headboard, pulling you on top of him.

“Don’t even have to ask doll, I’m staying right here. You comfortable?” He asked.

You reached down and raised your shirt just above your belly button, before you lifted his shirt the same. He furrowed his brows, wondering what you were doing. You laid down completely again, letting your skin smush against his, and because he was a super soldier and was always hot— his warm stomach felt amazing against your lower abdomen. Like a personal heating pad.

“Ahh… that feels good. You’re so warm.” You sighed, ticking your face into the crook of his neck.

He chuckled and smiled into your hair, wrapping his arms protectively around you.

“I love you baby.” He whispered to you, already feeling your breathing even out— falling asleep on him.

Your uterus calmed for now, the warm sensation soothing your pain. You could only wait until the next wave of pain came— but you knew you’d be okay with Bucky holding you.

“Love you too Buck.” You mumbled sleepily against his neck, your breath warming his skin.

He hated that you were in pain, wishing that he could take it all away— but he’d give you as many Bucky cuddles as you needed until you were sick of him.

Truthfully, you’d never get sick of Bucky cuddles.

Chapter Thirteen

Two months later, John had found himself on the verge of panic in the centre of a busy London high street. Arthur was stood beside him and had little idea on where to go.

All three brothers had properly reconciled only a week after the fight in Tommy's office. John struggled to believe Tommy's promises and apologies. But his brother had never let him down like that before, perhaps it could be pinned down to one momentary lapse in judgement. Besides, there was no point in continuing the argument - there never was with Tommy - it wouldn't get anywhere.

Meanwhile, he and Alice had a more tense exchange - less drinking involved.

In the dim light of his office, Tommy had apologised professionally and straight faced much to her silent displeasure. He gave her the agreed amount of money in an off white envelope and then asked "So do you have any questions about your husband?"

"D-Don't call him that." Her tone would've sounded authoritative if the words hadn't come out so jutted and jumbled. She took a deep breath before continuing.

"He's not my husband. He's called Jones. And no I don't have any questions." The name fell from her tongue so confidently she almost felt as if it hadn't been banished from her verbal dictionary. A strict ban on the J word that had now been slightly lifted. When had this happened?

Actually, she'd been so enamoured with John that her brain hadn't been aching from it's usual ptsd and anxiety. Even when he was busy or away, spending the night alone and knowing there were unattended knives downstairs, she would be too ashamed to disappoint him like that. No - there had been no blood spilled since the night with the Turks, not from her or John.

There was also her preoccupation with the room she'd started renting; furniture and decorations to buy, a place she could finally call her own. It wasn't amazing by any means - the kitchen, bathroom and living area shared by other tenants - but her bedroom was enough to make her happy, five times bigger than the horrible, wooden caravan and on the top floor. Life was actually starting to fall into place for Alice and for the first time ever she'd felt a mellow serenity, even with the dull ache of her ribs.

They'd only kept her away from work for a short time. She was back at The Garrison almost everyday as she had been before - just avoiding too much physical strain now. It seemed that after the incident with David some kind of word had gotten around as she was hardly pursued by patrons after that; something she was grateful for in her slightly less able state.

This day had been busy, the races were on and as soon as they finished everyone went to the pub - meaning Harry and Alice were serving non stop for hours, barely having any chance to clean or do any upkeep.

"Ugh. The close is going to be long and messy." Alice thought to herself, looking at the spilled drinks and ashtrays stickying up the floor that she had just scrubbed yesterday.

Just then, a familiar voice sounded over the chorus of male noise like bells in the wind and her head quickly snapped towards it. Ada was waltzing through the crowd, the men quickly stepping aside at notice of a Shelby, and her expression was unmistakably chipper. That was odd for her, she hated The Garrison.

"Alice!" She beamed, leaning on the bar and eyeing up her friend "How are you doing?"

Alice shot her a confused look before she poured a pint and handed it to a customer. Ada's smile seemed to drop for a second, staring at Alice's hands, before quickly resuming as her gaze resettled on the girl's face.

"Uh I'm good. Are you okay?" Alice's eyes couldn't stay on Ada whilst she counted coins given to her and then poured another pint, but she was visibly concerned.

"Yeah I'm good." Ada answered, grinning as Alice's eyebrows furrowed. "Just thought I'd come by, see how you are."

"Give me one minute Ada."

Two more pints and that flurry of customers were all temporarily dealt with, giving her a moment to properly investigate the strange behaviour.

"Right." Alice said with a huff before turning to her friend, although Ada was already backing away to leave. "Are you sure you're okay? Why'd you come in here?"

"Yeah I'm great. Just had to check something." She replied casually.

"Well what did you have to check?"

Alice's confusion only got more amusing for Ada. She let out a small laugh and shook her head, turning her body towards the door.

"I'll see you this weekend."

"What are you talking about?" Alice questioned but she was gone, already half way out the building.

"Did they even have plans that weekend?" She thought, perplexed and mildly concerned. However, before she could ponder on the thought much deeper another group of five arrived at the bar and she was back into her robotic routine.

Meanwhile in London, Arthur had been trying to calm down a fevered John as they stood outside their destination. He'd tried to play it cool all day but now that he was at the shop, his doubts started to seriously creep up on him.

It was a complicated situation.

Not having heard a peep about Jones or his men, everyday he doubted more and more that he'd get to satisfy his murderous craving. It played on his mind and made him feel sick with agitation.

Tommy had promised that it would all be over soon but when was soon? When would things finally be able to move on? Was he moving too fast by proposing now when she was still married to another man? A part of him felt ashamed for doing so - for being so desperate to call her his that he defied one of God's most basic sanctities. But most of the shame came from the fact that although the inhabitants of Small Heath would have no idea that she was already married, he would know. It would be another dirty little secret for the family, to sit on a shelf and collect dust with the others.

"Is that unfair to do to Alice? To ask her to keep her past a secret if anyone were to ask. To do something that, if God truly exists, would possibly land her in hell." He pondered, each thought coming at him at a hundred miles per hour. "And what if she didn't want any of that? Would she just tell me no - a hard enough rejection - or run away too? Would this ruin the perfect bliss we've made? Should I just leave it?"

But now that she'd moved into her own place, John couldn't just leave it. In fact, it was the last thing he could do. Every night spent away from her was filled with worry - an unsinkable  paranoia regarding not only the safety of his lover but also his own insecurities. If she met the right man, someone richer and surrounded by less violence, would she leave again? Or if someone offered her the right amount of money, would she let them lay with her? Would she turn up on John's doorstep beaten and bloody but un-phased, her worth defined by the wad in her hand? A situation like with the Turks or David could never happen again. It wouldn't happen, not with his ring on her finger.

"It'll be bloody fine John, more than fine! It'll be grand!" Arthur's gruff voice snapped him from the intense trail of thoughts "Let's get this over with."

He took a deep breath before nodding and stepping forward, entering into the elegantly decorated jewellers. The ceilings and walls were varnished white and the display cases stood polished and sparkling, adorned with red velvet and bright little lights. At the till, an old woman dressed in dark robes was eyeing the pair.

"I came in on Monday. You said the ring would be ready today."

She looked John up and down for a moment, racking her memory until his face fit and a small smile creeped up onto her lips.

"I remember. One moment please."

With a sudden movement she didn't previously look capable of, the lady bent down and started to rummage around below the desk. A few seconds later, she remerged with a small, black box in hand. John gulped looking at it, his eyes not straying even as he handed her the money. He stared at the box for a moment before opening it, prompting an impatient Arthur to mumble "Show us the bloody thing then."

Finally he opened it; the ring was as perfect as he'd hoped. A thin silver band, adorned by a circular star with a diamond in the centre - it's brilliant, white shine making him think of the morning light on Alice's skin. It was then that the knot in his stomach loosened and was instead replaced by a swarm of fireworks, spreading to his chest and fingertips as he stroked the jewellery.

Those fireworks only continued throughout the rest of the day, his mind unable to focus on most of his brothers words as he instead tried to plan how he was going to ask the question. Should he just drop it casually or take her somewhere nice? The drive back home gave him hours to ponder.

As the clock struck midnight, Alice had just finished cleaning The Garrison. She groaned at the mocking chime - she hadn't even had time to count the safe or the till but by this point she was far too tired.

"I'll just come in early and sort it." She thought to herself with a yawn, stretching her arms through her coat sleeves.

Slowly, she peered around the pub to check everything was locked before heading to the door but then a knock sounded, halting her stride. It would only ever be one of the Shelby's, she knew that, but for a moment she worried that it might be someone else.

Quickly swallowing that paranoia, Alice pushed open the door and was thrilled to see John, instantly grinning as they locked eyes.

"Right on time, I was just leaving." She said before standing up on her tip toes to kiss him. It was only a peck at first, but almost instinctually her arms made their way around his neck and his around her waist, deepening the kiss.

John could've stood there connected to her forever but eventually Alice pulled away and turned to lock the door, a yawn escaping her lips.

"Yeah I only just got back, been a long day." He contagiously yawned too, lacing his arm back around her waist as they started to walk.

"Bet it wasn't as long as my day."

"Probably not, you look tired."

"Hey!" Alice playfully hit him with a giggle. "You're right though, I am. Can't wait to get into bed."

"Let's go mine then."

Alice raised an eyebrow and looked up at John bemused.

"You're so certain of yourself, what if I wanted to spend tonight alone?"

"I'd find it hard to believe after that kiss you just gave me."

"Well you've been gone a week. I missed you." She scoffed. "How was London?"

"It was alright, everything running smoothly but just gets a bit dull."

John thought of the ring in his pocket; how heavy it felt in that moment despite being a tiny little thing. He wanted to pull it out and let the question glide out his mouth - just like he'd imagined - but no movement nor sound came from him. It didn't feel right. They were both so tired. The other idea was better anyway.

"You'd like some drama would you?" Alice questioned.

"I'd like Arthur to stop drinking so much." He snorted.

"Bad again was he?"

"When's he not?"

A moment of silence passed between them before John spoke again.

"And even if I weren't having to pick up after him it would still be dull. I gets bored without you."

"Is that so? Aren't you too busy running around shooting things to think about me?"

"Never too busy for that."

Alice made a mock disbelief gasp, earning a low chuckle from him. As the pair reached the split determining whose house they'd be heading to, the blue eyed man was pleased at Alice's slight speed up in direction of his. Despite the warm summer days that had started to settle in, the night was still cold and their breathing was visible in white clouds. Her body warmth was something he'd missed dearly.

"Wanna cuddle in front of the fire for a bit?" He whispered, squeezing her side.

"I don't know. I shouldn't stay up I've got to get in early tomorrow, get the count done."

"You don't have to go in at all."

Alice turned to him, startled and suspicious, questioning "What do you mean?" to which John casually replied "I mean I told Arthur to give you the day off."

Her eyes were wide with irritation now.

"Well why on earth would you do that? You know I need the money to pay for my room!" She hissed, not much to John's surprise. She was a bloody workaholic.

"I'll pay for it." He rolled his eyes but his tone stayed light. Her irritation was slightly cute to him, especially over this matter. "And besides, you could do with a day off. Working all the time ain't good for you."

"John, you know I don't feel okay with taking your money." She sighed then added "And I don't work all the time. Not like your brother."

"No one works like Tommy, he's bloody cooked! Just trust me, tomorrow is gonna be great. Do you trust me?"

The combination of his doting eyes and light squeeze he gave her side made it hard for Alice to stay annoyed. This was the idiot she'd spent the last week missing.

"Ugh. Yes I trust you." She groaned, earning a triumphant laugh from John.

"That's what I like to hear."

The next day, the sun was beaming high up in the cloudless sky and if not for the wind it might've felt like summer. Alice awoke with a stretch, surprised to see that John was still heavily asleep - his arms wrapped loosely around her and a thin layer of sweat covering his skin. She snickered slightly at his face, planting a delicate kiss on his forehead before sliding out of his arms to sneak downstairs. It was hard not to make the floor boards creak in the little house.

Once downstairs, she started making food for the picnic they'd decided to have - even quickly popping to the shop to get a surprise for John. Soon, the basket was stacked with sandwiches and cakes; a sight neither of them had seen since childhood. Then she made breakfast, humming absentmindedly to herself as she cooked the eggs and bacon. With the sun shining on her skin through the window and her body finally feeling well rested after a week of non stop work, Alice was secretly glad that John had forced her to have a day off. Although, she wouldn't have admitted it to him that morning.

It only took a few minutes and soon she was shuffling back up the stairs, balancing two plates and two cups of tea on a metal tray. John woke up at the sound of her foot steps entering the room.

"Alice?" He yawned, his voice low and gruff with sleep "You made breakfast?"

"Yes I did." She answered, placing the tray down beside him "You slept well?"

"Yeah actually, for the first time in ages." He stretched and grinned at Alice as she sat cross legged on the bed.

Nothing could beat waking up like that. A beautiful girl and a hot breakfast.

"Probably cus of my presence." She teased before tucking into her plate.

"Yeah probably, you bloody witch." John agreed and then tucked into his.

An hour later they were sat in the car, Alice chatting absentmindedly whilst John feigned his casual demeanour, and an hour after that they had finally arrived at their destination. It was a lake surrounded by fields of trees and flowers, in a spot so hidden that Alice was suspicious of how John could even know about it. The car couldn't even make it into the woods - the path being so scattered that they'd had to walk fifteen minutes on foot. Alice didn't mind though, not at all, it was beautiful.

John laid down the picnic blanket and sat on it with a content huff, watching Alice take in the scenery. His mind was finally able to relax a bit, satisfied with how on track things seemed to be going. Ever since stepping out of the house that morning he'd been worrying, but her glee filled face as she laid beside him eased that worry.

"It's so pretty here. There aren't bodies in that lake are there?" Alice teased, opening the basket and laying out a few sandwiches.

"None I know about." John smirked "Why, you wanna go for a swim?"

Her eyes snapped back to the lake. "That would be nice actually. Should we?"

"Bloody hell Alice I was only joking. You'll be fucking freezing! It's warm but not that warm!"

"Some fella at the pub was telling me that he swims in the river every morning no matter how cold it is and that's why he's still kicking it at sixty!" She chirped.

"Yeah, Mark tells that to everyone but have you ever seen him doing it? No! No one has!" John laughed.

"Well I recon he does."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I do. In fact I might ask to see if I can join him next time."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes before picking up one of the sandwiches and starting to eat. After a minute he exclaimed "I don't know how you do it. But this is the best ham sandwich I've ever ate."

And it was true. Every thing she cooked or made for him tasted better. Like there was some kind of magic ingredient she had.

Alice looked up at him with adoring eyes, sitting up and placing a quick kiss on his cheek.

"I love you."

"I - love you - too." John answered in between mouthfuls, prompting Alice to scrunch up her nose and pull a face at him.

"Finish your food before you speak." She teased, playfully poking his side.

Hours passed by merrily. The sun moved overhead, trees swayed, the lake glistened, birds sang.

"I've got a surprise for you." John's smirk expertly hid the weight in his chest.

Alice's eyes went wide.

"Shit, I've got a surprise for you too, I forgot!" She gasped before reaching into the picnic basket and holding out a small white paper bag.

John's breath caught in his throat for a moment, his built up preparation being blown away by her sudden admission. He shot her a confused look, wondering what on earth she could've surprised him with that was worth being interrupted, then he grabbed the bag. Inside was his favourite treat, a sugar donut from the bakery down the road.

This was why he loved her. A loud, relieved laugh erupted from his mouth, Alice now looking confused as he leant over and stroked her face.

"Th-Thank you."

"What's so funny? It's your favourite isn't it?" She wondered.

"Yeah." His amusement had calmed as his fingers wrapped around the box in his pocket. "You're just funny."

"Why? What's your surprise?" She asked accusingly, although her tone was laced with a giggle.

John took a deep breath before pulling his hand out of his pocket.

"I was gonna ask if you wanna marry me?" Despite the smile on his face, his voice shook slightly and his nerves were clear.

At first Alice didn't respond, staring in shocked silence at the box in his hand. Then, her eyes started to dart between the box and John's face and a strange, awkward laugh jolted from her lips.

"What? You're joking. Me? You want to marry me?" She choked out, looking almost as lost as she had that night in the road. She felt almost as lost.

The question had, for some reason, brought back all of the doubt and insecurity she'd worked so hard to overcome in a split second. Every reason why he wouldn't, why he couldn't ever possibly want to marry her bombarded her brain. It didn't feel real. How could someone as rotten as her ever have landed a fiancé like John? He'd even said before that he didn't want to marry her until Jones was dead.

"Yeah. Obviously. Why would it be anyone other than you?" His voice was low now, leaning closer towards her. This wasn't one of the responses he'd been preparing for.

"I, I don't know." Alice stuttered. There were so many answers to that question that she couldn't possibly know where to start. But then her senses started to catch up with her and she suddenly shook her head with a rapid blink.

What was she thinking? Of course it was her. John loved her and she loved him. This was all she'd ever wanted. Fuck Jones and fuck how he made her feel. She deserved this.

With a snap back into reality, she turned to him and exclaimed "Oh my God, John! Yes! One hundred times yes!"

The weight he'd been feeling disappeared entirely when he slipped the ring onto her finger; all of the doubts and worries gone. She squealed excitedly before throwing herself onto John's lap, the pair immediately embracing into a passionate kiss. When they pulled away, the pair stared into each others eyes - drunk on love - before laughing giddily. He wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair with one hand and her ring finger with the other, admiring the jewellery.

"It looks even better than I'd imagined." He murmured, planting a delicate kiss on the top of her head. "I can't wait to see you in white."

Alice sighed dreamily, her heart still thumping from adrenaline though a feeling of serene calmness filled her.

"I can't wait either. To be Mrs Alice Shelby. To be your wife... Jesus John! Is this even real?" She chuckled, moving her other hand to stroke his leg. "I never dreamed that someone could love me this much."

Neither of them spoke for a minute, content with the silence, engaged in their own thoughts. John had questions to ask now and so did Alice.

"What made you change your mind.. about Jones?" She asked, a slight edge in her tone at his name.

John swallowed and took a breath before answering. He still instinctively felt sick at the name - a flash of grotesque images appearing then disappearing just as fast as they came.

"A lot of things. A lot of thinking. But to put it simple; fuck the bastard. You was never his, not under anything righteous." His tone was quiet; soothing yet confident and she felt assured by his answer, nodding at the response.

"Now I got a question for you." John added.

"Go on." She laid down so that her head was in his lap, looking up at him with a grin.

"Are we gonna do this proper? Like church and all?" He peered down at her with a chuckle.

"Obviously! Why? What were you thinking?"

"I don't know Alice, you're pretty odd. Figured you might want to tie the knot in a bog for all I know."

They both laughed at that before Alice responded.

"It would be funny. But no. I want to do this properly. I don't think I've ever done anything properly."

John bent down to plant a short kiss on her lips.

"We'll do it properly then. Exactly how you want it love."

"I love you so much." She dreamily sighed up at him, prompting a short snicker.

"I love you too, more than I think you know."