Warnings/contains: gn! reader, opposites attract trope (kind of), canon typical references to murder/violence, brief mention of sex, mild swearing, Dexter might be a little ooc here (I've never written for him before 😓)
Beginning notes: I'm a very messy person and the thought of my untidy habits getting on Dexter's nerves made me giggle so that's where my inspiration for this came from
Dexter liked his life to have order in it, from his work to his killings. Everything was clean, measured, precise- except for the unknown variable, the impossible to predict wild card that was you
Maybe that's what drew him to you in the first place. Something about your innate messiness was as enduring as it was human, if not incredibly frustrating at times
He could count on both hands just how often he'd found half-eaten bags of chips and empty soda cans scattered around his apartment after you'd spent the night, not to mention the clothes you'd left sprawled out on the floor and the shoes kicked haphazardly under his bed (and this was even when you didn't have sex)
Balled up pieces of paper, assorted candy wrappers, old receipts you definitely had no use for, etc. All left behind on his kitchen counter and coffee table, not to mention the glob of toothpaste you'd forgotten to clean off from the inside of his bathroom sink
Every time he went to clean up after you he always let out an exasperated sigh and made a mental note to be firmer with scolding you the next time it happened, though he always forgot as soon as he saw your adorable face again. It was hard to stay mad at you for too long
Anyone other than you and he'd had dismembered them a long time ago. Even Debra wasn't nearly as special in his eyes to be able to get away with something like this continuously
But you? All you had to do was bat those pretty little eyelashes of yours and stick out your bottom lip, crooning in a voice that was overly soft and sickeningly sweet
"I'm sorry I made such a mess again. I didn't mean to, honest. I'll make sure to clean it up for you". It always made his heart melt a little despite himself, even as his mind protested against the sudden onslaught of fond feelings and affection
In all fairness to you, it's not as if you did it on purpose. You were just a little careless, a little preoccupied with other things to always think about the mess you left behind
Tidiness, neatness, perfection- it didn't haunt you the same way it did him. If he made a mistake when carrying out a kill, it could cost him everything. If you forgot to take out the trash, all you got was a light scolding and a pointed look
It wasn't hard for you to forget to put your dirty dishes in the sink or your dirty clothes in the laundry hamper because of other things catching your eye, like your favorite show coming back from commercial break on the TV or a text from your best friend. He could be so lucky as to forget his problems the same way you could
Luckily for him, it was as easy to get you to clean up your mess as it was for him to forgive you for it. A raised eyebrow and a a throat clearing that was just a bit too loud to be accidental, that was enough for you to get the hint to clean up your damn mess for once
Your entry into his life may have come with a tidal wave of bad habits and a trail of messy breadcrumbs, but he wouldn't ask you to change for the world. His only wish is that you'd stop leaving so many actual crumbs in his bed whenever you decide to eat in there
End notes: this was purely self indulgent because I wanted to write something for Dexter 🫶 I love him my favorite autistic freak (murder is his special interest /j)
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Hi! May I request dexter domestic hcs? + him having a partner who is a cat person? Thank you in advance!
Domestic life with Dexter would include...
a/n: I'm also going to do Dexter with a partner whose a cat person straight after this, because I love it!
Dexter needs a domestic life as a cover up. The first and most important of rule of Harry's code is to not get caught. No better way to do that than to establish a life, making you seem caring and kind.
But he also needs you, for you. He needs a rock in his life, to focus himself when his dark passenger wants to take over. Coming home after a crap day, and seeing you in the kitchen, cooking some steaks, makes him feel like it was all worth it.
Not that there isn't tension, you aren't aware of his double life. The late nights, absent days, the obsessing over something you aren't aware of.
Then you'd come home from your job or errands, and see he's made you dinner, with flowers and everything. He'd apologise for not been there. Wrap his around you, and kisses you, sweetly.
General domestic tasks are pretty easy between the two of you. He's very clean - almost to a fault. So, he's not very hard to get along with.
Mornings - You'll wake up with his arm around you, most people let go of their partners once they fall asleep, but not Dexter, he holds on - it's sometimes a little annoying given the heat in Miami. When he'd wake up, you'd turn over and look at him, waiting for him to say something. But he'd just look at you, gently stroking your cheek. Neither of you would want to leave but as always work gets in the way.
Evenings - On a typical night, you'd have beers, pizza or steak, and watch a movie, cuddled up on the couch. Dexter would let you pick it, and always make fun of your choices, they're either too sappy or pointless. Seeing you get annoyed, trying to defend it, he'd love it - the way your eyebrows tense or the way you wildly gesture to make a point.
Nighttime - In bed, you'd start by laying on his chest, his arms draped lazily around you. Periodically, he would kiss you on the forehead. His heartbeat lulls you to sleep and the day starts all over again.
Can I request a Dexter Morgan headcannons or x reader of how he would deal with his girlfriend or partner having an abusive parent still in their life?
Dexter Morgan finding out you still have an abusive parent in your life would include…
TW: Mentions of abuse (physical and emotional)! For the purposes of this, it’s your dad who is the abusive one.
Also sorry this took so long!
There are 2 endings for this one…
Since meeting you, Dexter had always wondered about your childhood, and more often your family. You say you grew up here but you have no family?
You’d been dating only a few months but he thought he would ask. Contrary to what you might think, he was doing it because he cares, what if he killed one of them? Or what if they got involved with an investigation. He needed to know information.
He had always tried to find people who had moved here, so this wouldn’t be an issue but here he was.
You were dodging the questions. Excuses like they moved away or that you didn’t keep contact, but as much as Dexter doesn’t understand emotion, he is good at reading it. There was pain there.
One thing he always noted was the fact you never met each other on Sundays. You had never mentioned religion, so most likely not church.
So, if you weren’t going to tell him, he was going to find out. Sundays were a clue, and he followed it - and you obviously.
You went to a house in the suburbs, on a side of town, you had declined dates too. Did you have a secret partner? No, Dexter knew you and that wasn’t the case. You looked small and uneasy here, there was no love in this secrecy.
Next time Dexter was at work, he looked up the address. He found a man, who was a little over 60. You didn’t have the same last name but he looked very alike. At first he thought uncle but then when he looked you up - something he’d done before but not for this purpose - he found you’d changed your name when you turned 18, and moved out.
Same last name, most likely father, given the resemblance. But why had you kept it a secret? Dexter didn’t know. If you didn’t want him to meet your father, he would understand but to try to erase your connection to him?
Then still going to visit him? The look on your face - One of shame but also hurt. Dexter knew something was up so thought of a plan to get you to spill.
Date night, you’d both finished your meals. You ask about his work, and he tells you about a certain case, and how a suspect looked just like you.
You thought it was funny till Dexter said his name. You froze up, becoming unresponsive. Dexter had expected you to say something, but this was worse.
Dexter explained how he knew who he was, and wanted to know why you lied about him.
You aren’t stupid, there’s no way he could have got that information without either looking you up or stalking you. So, you left without a word. Dexter again didn’t expect that.
Recounting what happened to Deb later - taking out a few key details - she called him an idiot. Dexter was confused, but she explained how you ambushed and probably pissed off with you.
Dexter felt stupid after, why had he approached it this way? You were obviously upset beforehand, but Dexter just needed to know if you were okay. It didn’t matter about investigations, he had upset you and he needed to make it right.
Knocking on your door, Dexter had no idea what to say. When you opened it, it was clear that you were not happy to see him.
He started by apologising which you appreciated. He explained how he was scared you had a secret partner, so you followed him and saw how scared you looked going into that house.
You were kind of moved by Dexter’s explanation. Tears formed in your eyes, as finally opened up about all the abuse you suffered and how you couldn’t leave even if you really wanted to.
To say Dexter was mad would be an understatement, if you hadn’t begged him, he would’ve had your father on the table.
Instead, he comforted you, awkwardly, but meaningful nonetheless. He hugged you and afterwards lead you to your couch to cuddle. He gently reminded you that you don’t have to see your father, and that he will support you no matter what you choose.
Ending one (Non-Stabby)
You agreed and decided to cut off your father once and for all. Dexter is pleased for you, glad you are protected from him.
A few days after you cut off your father, he came to your door, yelling for you to come out. You rang Dexter and hearing how scared you sound, he dropped everything to come to you.
When he saw your father on the doorstep, banging still, he’d see red. He punched him square in the face and told him to leave or else.
Your father would fight but Dexter took care of him, quickly punching him again. This time he left.
He’d go inside to see you, and tell you he was gone before saying how brave you were and how this was the best decision you could do.
Ending two (stabby)
Knowing about Dexter’s night activities, you asked how he was going to take care of the problem. He told you not worry about it.
Let’s just again you never heard from your father again.
Dexter Morgan dating a cat person would include...
A/N: Cat is a boy and reads is gn
When Dexter realised you had a cat, he was little nervous. He doesn’t do that well with animals and they had a tendency to not like him either. So, when he found out how much of cat person you were, well it was worrying.
But then again, showing love to an animal to some peopld is as good as being nice to their child so a perfect disguise. One with less commitment too.
When he met your cat, it wouldn’t even look at him, totally unbothered. You’d shrug your shoulders, he’s often like that, you’d say. You’d give him a few pets and a kiss before making you both some food.
After your meal, you’d both settle down to watch a movie. You’d try to cuddle up on the couch but the cat would come right over and lay on your chest, with a face that demands attention.
You’d start to pet him and kiss him. Allowing him to cuddle right into your shoulder. The whole time he would be staring at Dexter. A competition wasn’t something Dexter had thought he would be engaging with, after all he’s a cat.
But Dexter had underestimated how far the cat would go. Alone time? Nope. Cuddle? No. Kiss? No. Not without the cat either meowing or being in the way.
Dexter is rather annoyed by it, but not because he needs to do these things but because he was losing to a cat. An animal? Yes.
One week, you needed to go out of town, but no one could cat sit on short notice, when you asked Dexter he agreed.
A week with the cat…alone…yeah it worried him a little.
But on the first night, he sat on the same couch as him. Close enough that you could say it was to be near Dexter. Every night, the cat got closer until eventually he would sit on Dexter’s lap. Dexter would pet him, awkwardly but the cat didn’t seem to mind.
Not that Dexter had a change of heart, he still didn’t really understand why people like pets, but having a little ball of fluff on his lap was not unpleasant. He actually found it rather calming.
When you came back, the cat barely seemed to notice you, following Dexter everywhere.
Soon, it would return to normal, the cat following you and ignoring Dexter but when you weren’t there or in another room, the set would run up to Dexter, which Dexter found…oddly charming.
A/N: Hopefully the person who requested this likes it!
