#young!reader

Meow, here you go, I think this is my longest one yet?

As much as people denied having favorites, people always have one. Jake's favorite was Neteyam, his little golden soldier. Neytiri favorite was Tuk, her baby girl. Neteyam and Lo'ak were each other's favorites, brothers close in age. Kiri's favorite was their grandmother moat, and Moats was Kiri. Tuk's favorite was obviously their mother.

(Name) was no one's favorite. (Name) was the middle child between Lo'ak and Tuk. She was eleven years old, that awkward age. (Name) had always been a quiet child, and a shy one. She came into the world quiet.

(Name) had grown used to being forgotten. Whether that be her parents promising her something only to forget about it or one of her older siblings promising to play with her only to never do. (Name) was used to playing by herself. She had no friends, being too shy to make them, and her siblings found her to be awkward to play with.

(Name)'s breaking point came when Jake got rough with her. He was used to being rough with his boys, grabbing them and pulling them around, but (Name) wasn't Lo'ak or Neteyam. (Name) was fragile.

(Name) had been standing in the way, Tuk had gotten hurt somehow, and Jake was trying to look at her injuries. Instead of asking the child to move, Jake roughly grabbed her by her upper arm, yanking her out of the way. (Name) couldn't look her father in the eye for the next week, and the man didn't even bother to apologize. It was then (Name) knew she wasn't wanted.

The idea came from a few women in the clan. (Name) had heard them talking about a clan a few miles away from them. A group of clanless and unwanted Na'vi. It got the child thinking. If she was so unwanted, why not lessen the burden and leave. If she stayed in the clan, her family would still have to see her, but if she left?

She started her trek in the middle of a warm night. With only a bag of clothes on her back, the eleven year of set off into the Pandora jungle.

(Name) had walked all night. She was tired and hungry. The eleven year old was getting frustrated. She was seemingly walking in circles. She was starting to believe there was no group, and she had just gotten herself lost in the jungle for nothing. (Name) let out a cry, crouching down as she placed her arms on her knees, burying her face into her arms as she wept.

She didn't understand. Why. Why was this her life. The child continued with her cries until- "What is wrong?" (Name) froze. She looked up to see a beautiful Na'vi woman standing in front of her. The woman had lighter skin, not too much lighter than her own dark blue one.

(Name) wiped her nose, looking around before back at the woman. "Where did you come from?" The child asked. The woman smiled, a basket on her hip. "From the trees over there. I'm collecting fruit for my group. What are you doing out here, child?"

(Name) tilted her head. Group..? She said group and not clan... the pre-teen suddenly sprung up. "Are.. are you part of the group of clanless Na'vi!?" The woman let out another giggle, her free hand coming up to cover her mouth. "why yes child, but you didn't answer my question. What are you doing here? Where is your family, young one."

(Name)'s smile faded, Her hands coming up to her top to fiddle with pieces of it. "I'm unwanted. So I left to make things easier." The woman frowned, looking (Name) up and down. "Well, that won't do now, will it." The woman then stuck out her hand. "Come on then." (Name) lit up, practically slapping her hand into the woman's.

As the two began walking back to what (Name) presumed was where the group resigned, the woman introduced herself. "I'm Mal'io. What is your name?" (Name) swung their hands a bit, a warm feeling spreading in her chest, she had never felt so seen. "I'm (Name).." As the two continued walking together, the little girl had a feeling brewing inside her. A feeling she hadn't felt for years. Seen.

I LOVE JIRAIYA!!! i am 18 so trust i imagine myself in an insane age gap relationship with him 😭 🙏 ngl this one got nasty as hell LMAO so beware

jiraiya x younger!reader

warnings: NSFW!!! This is legal!! reader is of age!!! a lil controversial…please scroll if this isn’t ur thing; this is nasty guys im ovulating

not proofread!!!

You never thought you would be in this situation, running for your life as you try to get to your grandfather's cabin near the entrance of the woods as fast as possible.

Well, that's kind of a lie. You did expect something like this to happen at some point, but why now...??

Your biggest problem has always been the fact that you were a witch, born from the humid earth near a river source and blessed by the nature spirits of the forest.

Which, okay, it wouldn't be a problem...

If you weren't a witch without a Coven.

And you were so young too. Fate really dealt you the worst cards, making you, a small witch, barely in your teen years, fend for yourself without a Coven to protect or guide you.

It was dangerous, madness even. Young witches were easy targets. They didn't really have strong magic yet, couldn't interact with nature spirits that well or defend themselves. That's why they needed the protection of the older witches, who would keep their little ones safely tucked in the heart of the coven, only letting them out when they come of age (for witches), and in small doses until they get used to the world.

You... didn't have that luxery tho.

You have no idea what really happened to you when you were born. Usually, witches from the coven would all be present to a newborn's birth, help them settle and taking them with them as one more little sprout for the Coven.

But, all you had was your grandfather's story, about how he found a baby covered in dirt by the river bank, not crying or making any kind of sound, just peacefully laying there as the forest kept it safe for who know how long.

He knew you were a witch, that much was obvious. He knew you were just born too, but he didn't manage to find any other witch living around that place, much less a whole Coven of them.

So, he took you in, which you were pretty grateful for. You though that it would be fine, i mean... sure, you didn't have a Coven, but who needed them anyway?? You were doing fine by yourself...! Especially after you managed to control a bit more of your magic! Your grandfather told you were very powerful for a baby witch, which is nice! See, you didn't need a Coven...!

Except, being "powerful" for a baby witch wasn't really... that powerful in the first place, and now, you were being freaking hunted down after a mistake you made.

Ah, being hunted down by who? That's simple.

A freaking pack of familiars, four of them to be exact.

There's one little detail about all of this... witches have familiars, powerful creatures that were the most loyal beasts you could ever have for yourself. Usually, a powerful and old witch would never link themselves to a weak familiar, even if they could grow strong with time and a good master guiding them.

And you could imagine the same would happen to the opposite situation... except, familiars were freaking bastards.

One of the reasons older Witches kept their young very well hidden and safe in their Covens is because rogue familiars hunt down little witches to force a bound with them.

While mature witches look for familiars around their same power level, powerful familiars like to take in small and young witches to mold the to their liking. Teach the little witch how to properly use their magic, be their primary guides and protectors.

And you? You were a very young witch, with no Coven on sight, and that showed a very big potential since your magic was stronger than other baby witches your age.

You were a prime target.

And you were being hunted down by four bastards that were toying with you the whole chase.

You could tell they were powerful, just not... how powerful. Since you were still too young, it was quite difficult to identify these things. It's like you could feel the heat of the flame but not see how big the flame was.

But you had a hunch they were... very powerful... at least, that's what you thought, since there were four of them, bounded together. It means their last witch was probably old and strong enough to have four of these big beasts.

Not that your theory matters now, not when you are trying to run in this stupid thick forest from four big familiars that you could hear laughing and taunting you.

Tauting you gently, at most. They already knew they had you.

You already knew they had you.

Still, you were running, even if just because you were high in adrenaline and refused to just stop.

That is, until you fell harshly on the ground after tripping over a rock or some shit hidden on this stupid dense forest.

Goddammit.

"Aww, lassie, c'mere, did it hurt?" You widden your eyes in surprise as you hear the heavy scottish accent right behind you, big hands carefully grabbing under your arms to lift you up on your feet like a kitten.

You squirm momentarily in discomfort, settling down a little as he puts you down and gently pats your clothes. You wish you had more fight in you, but you were still young and just took a nasty fall. It stunned you enough to barely react to the big familiar gently fixing your clothes.

"Oww, baby, it's okay." Another one of them, the dark skinned one with a heart shaped mouth, approached easily, both warm hands immediatly cupping your face to check on you. "We're sorry for making you play until you got hurt, we're not doing it again...." He coos gently, a warm smile on his face.

He looked... so happy......... freak, the scottish-mohawk guy by his side looked ecstatic, such a big smile on his face.

Well.... familiars always prefered to be linked to a witch.

You jumped a bit as you heard the rustling of leaves in the distance, eyes falling immediatly on the big black wolf behind some trees. That's certainly one big bastard of a familiar, even in his animal form...

Wait... where is the last one then...?

"Darlin', we need to talk, don't we?"

You freeze for complete as you feel a heavy, warm hand hold the back of your neck, not hurting, not ever, just... locking you in place. His voice is low and gruff, authoritarian, but it's... soft enough. Enough for you to know that he's forcing softness to speak to you.

His hand feels so damn big around your small neck...

It's okay, it's okay... familiars rarely ever hurt a witch for no reason.

Besides, they don't seen that inclined on hurting you anyway... no, you know they are ready to claim you for them.

The mess you found yourself in...

"T-Talk...?" You murmur quietly, unsure, still a bit stunned as you try to look over your shoulder.

"Wee lass just took a fall, Price, little witch like this might've gotten hurt." The scottish one says easily, smile still on his face as he approaches you a bit more to gently hold on your head, inspecting you himself now.

"She's just a tad stunned, no harm done." This voice was new, and very low. Gravelly. Patient.

The wolf familiar went back to his human form, leaned against a tree as he observed you with crossed arms and a relaxed posture. Indeed, a big bastard.

"That's why we shouldn't play with the young ones like this. I told you that they get hurt easily." The dark skinned one sighs slightly, like he was scolding the big brute by the trees.

"Boys, focus. We are not yet marked to her, and she's out here, exposed and defenseless. We're taking her home." The 'Price' guy says slowly, his authority over the others obvious by how they all straightened at his command.

"W-Wait-" You manage to find your voice once again, only to be interrupted by the scottish guy.

"The Coven?"

"If she had one, wouldn't be wandering around 'ere by 'erself." The wolf one rumbles, still relaxed against the trees.

"A baby witch without a Coven?" The dark skinned one considers, eyes narrowing.

"Sometimes it happens. Rare, but it can happen. All the more reason to get her to safety." Price rumbles back, voice getting... grow-ly, the hand on your neck heavier. "Soap."

"Aye, Cap." He smiles easily, bending down closer to your height, meeting your big, scared eyes. "Let's go, wee lassie, ye're safe." He coos, and before you can protest, one of his fingers are touching your forehead, a wave of pure magic going through you. "Nap nap time, huh?"

Summary: in where you and Drew have been dating for almost a year now and yet there's people who find your relationship a bit weird.

Warning: age gap relationship (10 year age difference kinda), reader's in her early/mid 20s, gentle and patient drew, reader is such a shy sweetheart, so much fluff.

taglist: @starkeyjoseph

masterlist

The apartment is softly lit with golden-hour sunlight streaming through the windows, a candle crackles in the corner, well, your pink corner, the place smells like vanilla and sandalwood. You’re sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the coffee table, pink laptop open, surrounded by pastel highlighters, sparkly gel pens, and a Hello Kitty notebook.

You're such a shy, sweet girl with a bubbly pink personality that shines through, and Drew’s quiet, smitten adoration is ever-present. The dynamic of your age gap relationship is gently acknowledged but celebrated between the two of you, with hints of the outside world’s judgment brushed away by your intimacy and mutual understanding.

Your earbuds are in, bobbing your head to your called 2000s pink pop playlist—Britney, Paris, Hilary, and Xtina echoing faintly from your open earbud as you hum along. You're wearing Drew’s oversized hoodie, and it swallows you completely, a pink little hair clip in your hair. You’re super focused, writing notes and occasionally doodling hearts in the margins.

Drew lounges on the couch behind you, arms stretched along the top, in sweatpants and a plain white tee. He's supposed to be watching TV, but his eyes never leave you, he’s not watching the show playing in the background, he’s watching you, his princess, his babygirl, his angel. He smiles to himself, completely smitten by your presence.

“You’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” he speak softly, almost to himself.

You don’t hear him, not fully, you’re busy mouthing the words to "Stars Are Blind," while scribbling in pink ink. Drew tilts his head, smiling even more. He gets up slowly, walks over, and sits down behind you on the floor, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Hey, baby…” he says again, his voice still soft.

You jump slightly, removing one earbud. “Oh god. You scared me! I thought you were watching your show!” you giggled softly.

He shruggered, while smiling. “Couldn’t focus darlin', I'm too busy watching you.”

You blushed. “Dreeeew… don’t say stuff like that, you’re gonna make me melt!”

“Good, let me. You look like a cupcake just sitting there, scribbling with your glitter pen and biting your lip when you concentrate. I mean... look at you.” he brushes a lock of hair behind your ear, his hand lingering, thumb stroking your cheek with affection.

You glance down shyly, your cheeks a soft shade of pink now. “You’re embarrassing me…” you let out a soft giggle.

He chuckled. “You make it too easy, pinky.” he gently presses a kiss to your shoulder over the hoodie. “What are you working on?” he asked curiously.

You sighed. “My midterm paper, I’m analyzing like… the portrayal of early 2000s femininity in the media, you know... Pop culture itself, like, the divas! It's my little pink pop project.” you giggled.

“That’s so you.” he blinks.

You smile proudly. “I know, right? I even made a moodboard for it!”

You tilt the screen so he can see it... The screen is filled with photos of Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, pink rhinestones, Juicy Couture, and sparkles.

“Of course you did, baby.” he grins and leaned in closer, gazing at the screen like it’s art. “Babe, this is actually kinda brilliant. You took your whole aesthetic and made it into something academic... That’s hot.”

You giggled again. “You think it’s hot when I do my uniwork? Ehm... I don't think so.”

He shruggered. “I think everything you do is hot. But especially when you’re being a little genius in my hoodie with a pink clip in your hair.” he says softly while he taps your pink clip playfully.

“Stoooop, you’re gonna make me blush again…” you whine playfully.

“Good, I like when you blush, I love when you get all shy. It’s like… my favorite thing ever.”

You cover your face with your hands, hiding your smile.

“I feel so tiny around you sometimes…” you say softly.

“You are tiny and that’s part of your charm! You’re like a little fairy or something.”

He wraps his arms around you from behind, pulling you gently into his chest. Your laptop is still open, your glitter pens scattered, but in this moment, you let yourself lean back against him.

You sighed. “Sometimes I wonder what people think when they see us, you know? Like… me all pink, bubbly and younger, and you all tall, scruffy and serious.” you spoke quietly.

He spoke firmly, into your neck. “Let ‘em wonder, let ‘em talk... They don’t see what I see.”

You raised an eyebrow. “And what do you see?” you asked him softly.

“I see the kindest heart, the softest soul. I see someone who dances while she washes fruit, who color-codes her notes and believes in love like it’s a religion. You make everything better just by existing and I don’t give a damn about the age thing, or what people might say about us. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” he look straight into your eyes, he's truly speaking from the deepness of his heart.

You pause, teary-eyed, pressing your face into his chest.

“You really mean that?” you whispered and he nodded.

“Every word, baby. You’re like… sunshine dipped in strawberry milk. I’m obsessed with you.” he say softly while giggling.

You let out a teary laugh. ”That’s the most you way to describe me.”

“Exactly! I’m learning your language.”

You tilt your head up and he kisses you sweetly, slow, long, with his hand cupping your cheek gently. When he pulls back, his eyes are soft and warm.

“Wanna take a break and dance with me?” he asked sweetly.

“Like... Right now?” you asked.

He grin and nodded. “Yeah, right now. Come on, babe! Put the pink playlist back on.”

You giggle and press play again: “Come Clean” by Hilary Duff begins.

He stands and holds out a hand, you giggled again, placing your hand in his, and he spins you around like a princess in the middle of the living room.

“Drew this is, like... so cheesy…”

He smiles. “Yeah, but it’s our cheesy.”

He sways you side to side, humming along with the music, completely immersed in you. And you lean into him, your cheek against his chest, your fingers clutching his shirt.

You spoke again, in a soft voice. “I don’t ever wanna leave this apartment, you know? I just wanna stay like this forever.”

“Then stay, baby... I mean it.” he make a pause. “Move in, officially.”

You freeze a little and he looks down at you trying to read your mind... Of course, you've thought about moving in with him officially several times, but you hadn't thought about doing it right now, even though you've been dating for almost a year.

“I’m serious, baby. I know you’re here most nights already, and there's some of your items around here, like... Your pink toothbrush is next to mine, your perfume lives in my bathroom now, and my whole closet smells like sugar, marshmallows and vanilla.” he spoke again with that soft but deep voice that never fail to make you melt each time. “I mean, you made your own pink corner in the living room... So, yeah, basically you're living here most days.” he giggled.

“You... You want me to move in?” you say in a tiny voice.

He nodded. “More than anything.”

“But… You know I’m a mess when I study, and I sing too loud, and I have glitter everywhere.”

He laughs softly. “Exactly baby. That’s what I want! All of it... Glitter and chaos and, I don't know, like late-night Britney dance breaks. You belong here, with me.”

Tears prick your eyes again. You nod, pressing a kiss to his chest.

You sighed. “Okay... I’ll move in.”

He smiles and whispered against your temple. “You already did, pinky. You moved into my life and took over my heart the second I met you.”

You smile at him. “I love you.”

“I love you more, baby.”

He lifts you slightly off the ground, spinning you as Hilary’s voice crescendos. And you giggled by the action.

***

String lights hang from trees, photographers linger near the red carpet, people buzz around in silk and suits, champagne flutes in hand. Drew’s invited to a charity event a few afternoon's after that day at the apartment, and it's a lowkey, industry-filled, polished event. He didn’t want to go, not really. But when he asked if you’d come with him, and you said yes, with a shy little nod in your pink heels and sparkly clutch… well, he changed his mind.

You arrive to the event together, he’s in a classic black suit, a little rumpled at the collar like always. You’re tucked beside him, hand clutching his. You wore the dress you were nervous about, the pastel pink one with the bow on the back and a slight shimmer when the lights hit it, it makes you look like something out of a fairytale.

You’ve only just arrived, but the moment you step out of the car, eyes are on you... And, of course, there's some whispers around you both coming from the crowd.

“Is that Drew Starkey?”

“Wait… is that her?”

“She looks so young…”

“God, she’s adorable but like… is that even legal?”

“She looks like a cupcake.”

“She’s like… a baby.”

“He must be having a midlife crisis.”

The voices aren’t loud, but they sting. Especially because you’re used to this, to the constant criticism and judgement from strange people that think they have an opinion about your relationship.

Drew feels your fingers tense in his, he whispered quietly in your ear. “Ignore them, baby. Just look at me.”

You look up at him, trying to smile. You do, a little, but your lip trembles. He leans in like he’s going to whisper something else, but instead kisses your cheek right there. Soft, slow, like the whole world doesn’t exist.

“That’s my pretty girl, you look so beautiful. I’ve got you, okay?” he spoke softly.

You nodded gently, still shy, still overwhelmed. But his voice, his warmth, it helps. He keeps your hand wrapped in his as you walk past the photographers, into the twinkling garden event. It’s fancy, too fancy for you.

You cling a little closer and spoke up in a tiny voice. “I feel like I’m in the wrong movie.”

He gives you a soft smile. “Nah, princess. They’re in the wrong one, you’re the main character.”

As he scans the crowd, trying to find somewhere quiet for you to breathe, a woman approaches. Tall, sleek, bored eyes. The type of woman who’s been in this scene too long and knows everyone.

“Drew, hey! Wow, long time no see.” she spoke.

Drew gave her a polite smile. “Hey, good to see you too.”

The woman smiled thinly at you. “And you must be…?”

You snile shyly. “Hi… I’m—I'm y/n, his girlfriend.” you offer your name, trying to be warm.

She tilted her head. “Oh! That’s… so cute. You’re like a little doll, so pink.” she chuckles like she didn’t just slap you in the face.

Drew spoke flatly, clearly bored of the woman's intromission. “Yeah, she’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

She keep smiling. “And so young! How fun for you.”

You drop your gaze to your sparkly shoes, your cheeks are burning and Drew’s jaw clenches. “She’s smart, and kind. And more real than anyone in this room.” he says while stepping closer to you.

There’s an awkward silence after that. The woman smiles, clearly uncomfortable now.

“Well, enjoy the night. I’m sure it’s all very… magical.” she said and walked off.

Drew turns to you, and the moment he sees your eyes shimmer with unshed tears, he leads you away. Past the chatter, past the lights. He finds a little alcove behind a wall of ivy. Quiet, private. You stand there, finally letting your face crumble.

“I knew people would say things, they always do… but it still hurts. I know I’m not like them. I know I look young, and I get all shy, and I wear bows in my hair and stuff, but I just—” you paused while breathing fast. “I don’t want you to feel embarrassed by me.” you whispered shyly.

He spoke again, serious, stepping close to you. “Stop, don’t say that... Ever.” he cups your cheeks, forcing you to meet his eyes. “You think I care what some bitter industry people think? You think I’d trade your big pink heart for their fake plastic smiles? No, I’m not embarrassed, I’m proud! You bring color into rooms that would be gray without you. You remind me why I ever gave a damn in the first place.”

You blink, your heart thudding. “But sometimes I feel like I’m this little thing clinging to your side while everyone stares and thinks I’m just... some cute distraction.”

He sighed. “No, you’re not a distraction. You’re my person, my peace, my home. And anyone who can’t see that doesn’t deserve a seat at our table.”

You spoke quietly. “Promise?”

He leans his forehead to yours. “I’d scream it from the rooftop if it made you feel safe. I love you, in all your pink, glittery glory. You’re not too much, you’re everything.”

You lean into him fully now, arms wrapping around his waist. “I just wanted to be enough for you.”

“You’re more than enough, you’re the only thing that makes any of this worth it.”

He leans in and kisses you there, tucked into ivy and moonlight. A slow, deep kiss that says "you’re safe", that says "you’re mine". That says "I choose you, every time".

When the kiss breaks, his thumb swipes a tear off your cheek. “Wanna get outta here, hm?”

You let out a tiny laugh. “Yes, please. Oh! Can we get ice cream, go home and watch trashy reality TV?” you asked excitedly.

He laughed softly. “Absolutely, I’ll even let you paint my nails pink again if you want.”

“Really?” you asked him.

“Anything for my girl.”

You two left the event and now the city is dark, lights twinkling beyond the windows. The apartment is quiet except for the soft hum of a fan and the distant sounds of traffic far below. You’ve just come home from the event, your hair is slightly messy, Drew’s jacket wrapped around your shoulders, his hand has not left the small of your back.

You both step into the warm glow of the apartment like you're entering a secret world again, far away from the judgment, the whispers, the stares.

You let out a slow sigh. “Finally" you say, relieved.

Drew spoke softly behind you. “Home.”

He gently slips his shoes off, then yours. You lean against the kitchen counter, rubbing your tired feet.

“I feel like I got hit by emotional dodgeballs.” you sighed.

“That’s… very specific.” he says snickering.

“I mean it! Like, people just threw vibes at me all night. Judgy ones.”

He walks over, opening the freezer, pulling out a pint of your favorite ice cream. “Well, then let’s treat your battle wounds!”

He grabs two spoons, then leads you to the couch. You fall into it with a little “oof,” the soft pillows swallowing you. He sits beside you, pulling you into his lap like it’s second nature now.

“Waaaait... We’re really doing ice cream in fancy clothes?” you asked giggling.

He chuckled. “Well, baby. You look like a sprinkled, colourful cupcake... So it fits.”

You giggle tiredly, resting your head on his chest. He feeds you a bite. “Mmm.” you sighed, feeling like you're in heaven.

“Good?” he asked you.

You nodded. “Heaven, this is the part of the night they don’t see, where the real magic is.”

He kisses the top of your head, holding you even closer.

“You were so brave tonight, baby. I saw how hard you tried to hold your smile and you didn’t have to. You could’ve hidden in the bathroom for an hour and I would’ve sat outside the door with you.” he smiled kindly and you blushed and giggled.

“Okay, but that sounds exactly like something you’d do!” you giggled softly.

“I would do that, you know? You’re the most important person in my life.” he spoke gently again.

A silence settles between you two, you rest your spoon against the cup, fingers playing with the hem of his sleeve.

“Can I tell you something a little bit… silly?” you asked him shyly.

“Of course, darlin'. I'm all ears for you.”

You spoke with a small voice. “Sometimes I imagine us in the future. Like… years from now, I mean, like I’ll still be dressing too pink, still listening to glittery pop music, and you’ll be all scruffy and serious. And I wonder if people will still be staring.”

Drew breathes deeply. “Let them stare, honey. I’ll still be kissing your cheek in public, still reminding you how perfect you are. You won’t be alone in it, you never will be.”

Suddenly you asked softly again. “Do you ever wonder what people see when they look at us?”

“Yeah, they probably see what they "expect" to see.” he paused. “But... they don’t know what it feels like to be the guy who gets to hear you talk in your sleep, or laugh so hard you snort when your cereal spills, they don’t know how soft you are when you're tired, or how you take care of people so deeply it makes me want to be better.”

You stare at him for a long moment, something deep and warm pooling in your chest.

“You always say the most beautiful things when I’m about to cry.” you sighed softly. “It's not fair!”

He chuckled softly. “It’s my superpower.”

You trace little circles on his big arm. “Can we do something soft now?” you asked him while batting your eyelashes.

He licked his lip. “Anything you want baby.”

You smirked softly. “What about... A bubble bath! And pajamas next with sleepy cuddles.”

He smiled. “Check, check, and check.” he giggled.

***

Soft music plays from your phone, some dreamy Lana Del Rey or Norah Jones humming in the background. The tub is full of warm, bubbly water with a soft pink glow from candles all around. You’re in the tub already, bubbles up to your collarbones, hair tied in a messy bun with a pink scrunchie Drew sits on the floor next to the tub, his sleeves rolled, hands gently brushing over your arm.

“You really are like a little sea fairy in here.” he says while smiling at you.

You giggled softly. “Stop it, I’ll blush and melt into the water.”

He kissed the top of your head. “Well, it's not my fault that you’re ethereal.”

You close your eyes, letting your head fall back. “Thank you… for tonight. For not letting it ruin anything.”

“Thank you for letting me love you. It’s easy, It’s… the easiest thing in the world.”

He presses another kiss to your damp shoulder, just a whisper of affection, you hum contentedly.

“Can I ask you something kind of scary?” You asked him while closing your eyes.

He nodded. “Always.”

“Do you ever think the age thing will catch up to us? Like… I’ll still be dancing to Britney and glitter-gluing my notes and you’ll be… over it?”

He takes a long pause and then he spoke. “Look at me, baby.” you opened your eyes and his hand finds yours in the warm water. “I’m not here for a phase, I’m not here for a moment, I’m here for every version of you... Whether is pink, tired, messy, glittery or just you growing, I want all the versions of you that people don’t understand, I love them already! That age thing? It’s just math, baby. This? This is real.” he smiled and raised your hand to his lips.

You spoke softly. “You always make the scary stuff feel smaller... It's your superpower!” you giggled.

He giggled too. “That’s just pure love, baby.”

***

You two are in the bedroom now, the lights are off now and it's just the city glowing through the windows. You’re in your softest pajamas, pink satin with tiny hearts. He’s shirtless, in sweats, stretched out across the bed. You're tangled together under the blanket, your cheek pressed to his chest, his hand idly stroking your hip in a soft way making you sigh.

You’re both warm, sleepy, and safe.

“I like it here... This space, just us.” you talked half-asleep.

He spoke gently. “Me too, It’s where you let me see all the softest parts of you.”

You smiled. “Sometimes I don’t feel strong. But with you, I feel… so safe.”

He kissed the top of your head. “You are strong. But you don’t always have to be, not here and definitely not with me. You can be soft, small, sleepy, pink and everything else you want to be. I’ll hold you through it all.”

You closed your eyes. “You promise?” you asked gently.

He spoke softly again. “Forever, darlin'.”

The sun hadn’t even risen yet, not fleeting through the bases windows as an alarm clock to the people within. It was that fleeting color blue in the sky, grass still dewy from overnights rain. Captain Price was already awake and making a cuppa for himself. Standing in the kitchen, grumbling and rubbing a hand over his beard, a morning routine he never neglected. He cracked his neck over as soon as he heard footsteps quietly pad in on the tile floor. And then there was you, in your pajamas and blanket wrapped around your frame. Like a little sunshine with your tussled hair and sleepy eyes, he couldn’t help but smile softly.

“What are you doing awake, love? It’s too early for you.” He rumbled, that deep voice that always seemed to soothe you, a hint of too many cigars. Not that you minded.

“Noooo is….Breakfas’….together…” You said softly, rubbing at your face as he put together the pieces. You woke up early to have breakfast with him. How sweet. Well who is he to disappoint? He ushered you to sit down at the table with a hand on your back.

“What do you want for breakfast, pumpkin?” He could feel his heart melt and practically pour out of his chest at the way you looked up at him. The innocent shrug as you nudged your head into his stomach. He took that as a sign to make whatever, as he was already getting out that pancake mix that Gaz had hidden in the back of the cabinet.

Within a couple of minutes a couple of pancakes were being shared between you two, his hands pulling back your hair to avoid a sticky syrup mess. He listened as you babbled about something, training drills for today or the animals you had back home. For now, he was setting Captain Price aside, storing away that old man in him that growled orders and gave intimidating stares. He could act that way when the sun came up and a group of recruits were waiting for training. He could put you through hell later, be gruff with you around others (even if they all knew he was secretly soft on you), and set a high standard for you (because he knew you could do it).

Little drabble cus Im bored late at night. Tw: None really? --------------- "Kid?" Simon called as he approached the slouched figure, his gaze curious as he watched their leg bounce in anxious rhythm. "Ya feelin' alright?" He asked, his tone more so curious than accusing. "Im- Im fine, just... hhm." You grumble, biting the inside of your cheek as you stood up, eyes glazed over with unshed tears of who knows what. "Just, gonna go get some food." you add, limbs hanging loosely as you sulk off to the kitchen. Simon had taken time to learn you, learn that.. well, youre not entirely there sometimes, cptsd took a toll on you, sometimes you can function, other times youre like a kid looking up at him for orders or directions. He found himself feeling.. familiarity between the two to of you, albeit, broken and misguided, he felt the need to slowly grow you into the person he could see underneath all the pain and the shell of 'happy go lucky', someone worth the time and effort. He knew you struggled with that, the quips and remarks you made about yourself werent for compliment baiting, he could see it when you looked at yourself, the way your eyes grew hostile, your nose scrunching and lip twitching with disgust even at the smallest glance. He wondered if you'd look at him the same. So he put it to the test. "Kid!" He called out one afternoon, walking down the hall with a slightly nervous twitch in his hand. "Yo?" You replied from down the hall, peaking your head from behind your bedroom door. "Wassup Simon?" you question, stepping out into the hall, noting how Simons eyes looked away from you, as if he was.. nervous? 'No way, is he nervous about- oh please dont ask me out...' You thought as you watched him for a moment, your mind already falling back on past times like this, male friend just couldnt understand you didnt want them or see them like that, but either made moves anyways, or over got hurt that they put effort into someone that wasnt interested in them. "Iss there anything I can.. oh." Your voice faded as Simon removed the surgical mask, his eyes finding yours with a look of genuine worry. "I.. figured since we lived together... Might as well show ya' my face." He replied sheepishly. He looked at you, and all he saw was awe, the way your eyes lit up at his scars, at his- His face? He'd seen you swoon over your friends, platonically pining and simping for them, but never in a hundred years did he think that awestruck look would be directed at him. "Ya.. dont think i look like a mutilated monster?" "What?? why would I? Youre so pretty Simon!!" Simon looked away again, lowering his head slightly "..." "..Ya need to get your eyes check." "HEY! Im allowed to call you pretty mister pretty boy! Talk about a looker! How the hell arent you taken-" *Thump!* "AAA- Okay okay i'll shut up!" "Ya better.. or I'll thump you with this newspaper again." Simon mumbled, but the faint pink on his cheeks felt nice, its better when someone isnt pursuing him lustfully, it feels.. nice, to just be seen, for more than his body.