Mace is leaving out some chocolate chip cookies and Take 5 bars!
🌷🌹🌼🌺🌻🌷🌹🌼🌺🌻🌷🌹🌼🌺🌻
-Zombie
The next morning he will find me nestled amongst the remains, having fallen fast asleep after gorging myself on all my favorite treats, using a Take 5 wrapper as a blanket. 🤭
A/N: Written for the June Jukebox Scribbles. Prompt: Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite / “No, I couldn't ask for another”
Word Count: 264
The kitchen is filled with a delightful array of aromas as Mace is blitzing through a variety of new possible recipes for the restaurant. Meanwhile you're at the kitchen island eagerly waiting for him to ask you to taste test. He'd warned you before moving in that you and Curtis would be required to do this for him as part of being roommates. Lucky for you, Mace is an excellent chef.
"Alright, this is a variant on pasta aglioli," he begins, turning to face you with a fork adorned with angel hair pasta. "Let's see how the flavor and texture combinations work."
You don't hesitate to take the bite offered. Despite his need to test, Mace has an incredibly good track record.
"Mmmmm! Mmmmm! Mmmmmmmm!"
"You're not just saying that, right?" Mace smirks.
"You wouldn't trust me as a taste tester if I did that," you counter. "Oh! The aftertaste is especially good!"
"Good," Mace's shoulders relax. Clearly that was the element he was worried about. "Now go ahead and have one of those garlic butter cheese rolls you've been eyeing."
"Oh, no, I couldn't ask for another."
"I know. That's why I'm telling you to have one."
You don't need more of invitation.
"You know what these would go good with?" you mumble around the roll.
"A good drink?" Curtis jokes as he steps into the kitchen, hands still dirty from work.
"Yes!"
"I'll mix us up a little something," Mace promises. "Wash your hands and have a seat so I can get a second opinion on this recipe."
Summary - Years later and the world hasn’t forgotten Icarus II
Prompt - “And if we stop to gaze upon a star.”
Warnings - mentions of character death , fluff
Word count - 248
A/N - My Day 13 entry for the June Jukebox Scribbles.
A/N 2 - Society made the banner
My Jukebox playlist
“The fate of the planet rode on the crew of Icarus II. Either they would succeed and save humanity or we would have perished. And then one day the people of Earth woke to find the sun burning brighter than ever before. Icarus II had succeeded though not without hardships and loss.”
A lump formed in your throat as you proudly watched your child read out a report for class.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of people. Some knew the Earth before it froze while others were born during the new ice age. Kids who had never seen the ocean move or a flower grow outside. Had never once felt the rays of the sun warm their skin. And if we stop to gaze upon a star.” A sniffle and a deep breath filled the quiet room. “We can stand outside and see them clearly. Almost as clearly as Icarus II was able.” The crew members and their roles were explained until one remained. “Space Engineer James Mace. To everyone else he’s a hero. But to me he’s something even greater. My Dad. And one day I hope I can make him proud.”
Heart swelling you clapped with the rest of the crowd. “I hope you heard that James. Our child wants to make you proud” you murmured.
You started when a hand caught yours and squeezed gently. Mace’s blue eyes were warm with love and pride for his child who gave a little wave from the stage.
“Mission Accomplished.”
A/N 3 - I very nearly went down the angst route till I realized what day it was. Happy birthday to Chris Evans who brought amazing characters to life!
Do you think Chef Mace has a specialty? Some kind of food he's the best of the best at making?
- Zombie
@thezombieprostitute why am I feeling pasta for this??? I can't exactly explain myself, but it's definitely not because it's one of my favorite foods!! 🤭
But here's what I can tell you, all of the pasta is homemade and he sticks to simple, fresh ingredients. Nothing overly fussy.
But I can guarantee you that the taste isn't simple. You'll never have anything better. 😋
maddie. james mace in sunshine (2007). people need to get on that
anon omg i knowww pls i’m letting the side down i fear 😭 it’s one of the last chris movies i haven’t seen and i do desperately need to get on that… the film i mean… but also HIM (multitasking queen 🙂↕️)
like HELLOOOO he’s serving both buzzcut and long hair in the same film?? i need to clear my schedule and watch this immediately before my coochie files a complaint
Summary: Mace is humanity’s last hope for survival. He’s also your friend who you’ve developed feelings for. Knowing that you may never see him again once he leaves, you struggle whether to tell him how you feel.
Warnings: fluff, smidge of angst, pining , brief mentions of injury and blood loss , mentions of alcohol , kissing
Word count: 4.7k
A/N - my contribution to @daydreamgoddess14 @thelovebombbang event. Thank you for organising this, Day! It was super fun to do!
A/N 2 - So the beautiful moodboard was created by the amazingly talented and insightful @indigo-jungle. She took the fragments I provided and turned them into this masterpiece. Indigo thank you for being patient when my muse was not musing and confirming I was not colourblind but also being indecisive with me. It was a joy collaborating with you!
A/N 3 - Indigo also came up with the title. The Two Body Problem is how to calculate and predict the motion of two massive bodies that are orbiting each other in space.
A/N 4 - I cannot state this enough - THAT ENDING DID NOT HAPPEN. This man deserves better!
A/N 5 - divider by @saradika-graphics
Do not Steal, Copy or Plagiarize any part of my work
Bracing winds blew drifts of snow with howls and screeches. The atmosphere outside was very different to that within the building. Warm lighting shone in every nook and cranny but the real warmth came from the celebrating party. Standing at the edge of the celebrations you watched with a wide smile as two of your friends were glued together constantly kissing and hugging having just become engaged.
Glancing around you frowned when you realized a certain someone was missing. Where had he gone? A solitary figure stood out from the crowd as he leaned against the wall holding a glass and occasionally sipping at the liquid within. With a fond smile you walked over and nudged him softly.
"I know you're not a fan of noise and crowds but if you're asked to be the best man - which we both know you will be - you'd better get used to this." you teased softly, smile faltering when he gave no indication he’d heard you. “Mace? What’s wrong?”
“Do you think it's ironic that they want an Easter wedding? A holiday originally known for renewal and hope?”
Mace’s blue eyes were almost as icy as the barren tundra outside the four walls. His words made you nervous. Mace could be callous and curt in his ways but you’d never heard him speak like this before.
“Why are you asking me that? Our friends just got engaged. What’s gotten into you?”
Mace's shoulders slumped as he inhaled deeply. “Remember seven years ago when they sent the Icarus I team to try and reignite the Sun with a stellar bomb but for some unknown reason they failed?”
You nodded. Five and a half years ago it had been heavily speculated why the mission had failed as the last reports from the spacecraft had indicated everything was proceeding as planned but there was still no indication what happened.
“There’s a new mission to send a team to try and finish the job." He took another breath before looking at you. "I’ve been chosen to go.”
All the oxygen suddenly vanished as the ground beneath your feet swayed. Mace turned at your choked gasp. As he reached for you his concerned expression twisted as you stepped away from him. But how could he possibly centre you when he had just turned your world on its axis?
"You've been chosen?"
"I was their first choice. And I accepted." He watched you for a moment. “It’s a chance to change the world. To save it. How can I say no to that?”
There was the patriotic streak that drove his decision. Of course he’d do anything for his country, his world. But the two of you were meant to be friends who told each other everything. And he made this life altering potentially fatal decision without even speaking to you. You had hoped one day that the feelings you had for him would be reciprocated. But him making this decision alone just proved he did not feel the same way. Taking a few deep breaths you gripped the back of a chair before looking at him again.
"When?"
"A few weeks.” Mace watched you closely, hands twitching at his sides.
Nodding you stepped closer and let him hug you. “Then let’s not think about it tonight. Please?”
Mace nodded and held you close. Though the subject was not mentioned again for the rest of the evening you felt isolated both from the crowd and from the man who held your heart and was slowly breaking it.
The days before Mace’s departure seemed to fly by unfairly fast. Of all the people he knew Mace had chosen to tell his family and your friends. When they heard the news the couple confirmed they would have a long engagement to allow time for Mace to return. He tried to protest but surrendered in the end because he was their one and only choice for Best Man just as you were the only candidate they wanted as Maid of Honour. The remainder of his time on Earth was spent with his family and you, soaking up all the experiences and memories storing them for his time away.
The day before his departure to the launch site you both went to a beach town. Blue water slowly formed piles of ice shards as it ebbed and flowed. The two of you walked along the frozen beach quietly absorbing the cold salty breeze, the sounds of the ice moving in the water and the crunch of snow under your shoes. Mace drew to a halt at the edge of a cliff, his eyes roaming over the scene.
”Do you remember what it feels like?” You sensed Mace glancing at you but you looked out at where water met land. “Sand. Before all this.” Crouching your gloved hands went over the frozen tundra. “I went to a beach when I was little. I can remember how cold the water was. How hard it was to wash the sand away. But I don’t remember what it felt like under my feet.” Clapping your hands together you shook loose the snow that had stuck before shivering slightly.
Barely an instant passed before Mace pulled you into his side. His arm wrapped around you securely. “The dry sand was warm in the sun. Grainy. Kind of like sugar. But it felt itchy when it got wet. Sometimes sharp. I remember falling in the dry sand because it was soft but chasing my dad on the wet sand.” Mace’s voice was soft with remembrance. For a moment you were both lost in your memories.
”Imagine if the mission is successful. The beach would be sandy again. Trees and flowers would bloom. Humanity would live.” Mace looked down at you, his tone earnest but his eyes pleading. Feeling your throat close you just pulled him into a hug, hiding your face in the material of his coat.
The two of you went back to Mace’s where he’d spend his last night. Since he’d already said goodbye to his family you knew he didn’t want an emotional evening. And your own feelings be damned you’d grant his wish. As the two of you shed your snow gear you got your first glimpse of his head since you’d seen him a few days prior.
”You cut your hair?” Mace kept his hair close cropped but recently he’d let it grow long enough so the ends began to require styling and a hint of a beard began to form. Now he had reverted to the buzz cut and clean shaven face from his days as a soldier.
Mace shrugged. “Not like there’s gonna be a barber on Icarus. Saves someone using a chilli bowl.” When you snorted at the image he smiled.
“Maybe you could let it grow out while you’re away. Longer hair suited you.”
The two of you set to making dinner in a rhythm that was easy and familiar. Part of you wanted to make a big deal that this was his last night on Earth. Possibly forever. You shook the morbid thought away. But instead you silently both carried on as if this was a normal night of hanging out. You giggled when he burned his tongue because he didn’t think about blowing on the food first. He lobbed a cushion at you in retaliation. You pushed away your nearly cleared plate and he gobbled up the leftovers.
Once the dishes had been cleaned and put away you sighed sadly when you saw the time. Mace would have to leave early for the launch the next day. You prepared to stand and was surprised when he caught your hand.
“Hey. Look, we both know what tonight means. I don’t want to spend a second of it alone. Can - Do you -“ Mace shifted and mumbled before looking at you. “Would you stay? Please?”
“Of course.” If his broken question wasn’t obvious then the vulnerable look in his eyes was. You could no sooner decline his request than cut your own heart out. Mace went to dig out some clothes for you to sleep in while you made up the couch. While plumping the cushions to sleep on you looked up as Mace opened his mouth. Usually he’d argue for you to take the bed. When you shook your head he paused and closed his mouth. Neither of you needed to say it. Instead Mace climbed into bed while you tried to settle on the couch. You stared up at the ceiling unable to quiet your mind. Every now and again you heard rustling fabric as Mace shifted around. You hoped he’d sleep peacefully.
”You awake?”
Mace’s whisper disproved your thought.
”Yeah. What’s wrong?”
”Can’t settle.”
You deliberated before getting up and moving towards the bed. Despite the darkness you could see his faint outline as he lent up to see what you were doing. Sitting on his mattress you encouraged him to lay on his side as you laid next to him. One hand slipped under his head and began to gently rub his scalp. The short hairs felt soft yet scratchy under your fingers.
Mace let out a small noise of contentment and sank further into the bed. One arm banded around you to pull you closer. After a while soft snores filled the air as he slept peacefully.
As you continued your actions you took a moment to think about your relationship with this man. You and he had met the same night as your friends who were now engaged. Both of you had suggested going to the same bar and it was there your friends had literally bumped into each other. When there were any group events you and Mace would inevitably drift towards one another. Mace had been short and curt at first but had slowly warmed to you. It didn’t take long for the two of you to spend time together alone. As time had passed you developed feelings for him. He could be a hotheaded jerk that appeared cold and callous with his military background but you knew he cared deeply for a select few.
As Mace slumbered you wrestled with the decision of whether to reveal how you truly felt about him. One thing wouldn’t change - he would still go on the mission. And honestly though you wished he would stay you wouldn’t dream of stopping him. He had made the decision alone; it was his choice and you had to respect it. But there were so many possibilities. What if he didn’t feel the same as you? Not only was there the chance of making things awkward, it could also ruin your friendship. Mace’s mission was to save the world but you hated the thought of a world where you two weren’t friends.
But this could possibly be the last time you spent with him. Could you live with the constant what ifs? What if you never told him and the mission was unsuccessful? What if you missed your chance? Would you regret it? Not that Mace had ever given any indication that he saw you as anything but his friend.
Mace grumbled as you shifted. There was nothing you could do now. Instead you decided to see how you felt in the morning. But when you tried to pull your arm free from under his head Mace pulled you closer and nuzzled into the crook of your neck. Surprised you remained still until a further attempt to leave was met by Mace holding you tighter. You certainly didn’t have the heart to disturb him now even as it trembled from his sleep driven actions. Instead you carefully settled into his hold and cautiously placed your hand over his heart terrified that he might wake. Instead the gentle rhythm of his heart continued and slowly lulled you to sleep.
The first stirs of consciousness teased you as you shifted within a cocoon of warmth. Grumbling you snuggled into the material when Mace’s aftershave tickled your nose. Reaching out to pull him closer the sound of crackling filled your ears and finally roused you. The sight of a note on Mace’s pillow had your stomach lurching violently. Fingers trembling you reached for it.
‘Didn’t want to disturb you. Thanks for staying last night. Take care while I’m away. I’ll be in touch soon. Mace.’
Tear drops splattered and smudged the ink. Deep down you knew Mace always let you sleep as long as possible because he’d never shaken the routine of getting up early. But this felt like another confirmation that you were just his friend. Barely that since he thanked you like it was any other night. Another mission.
You were never having a wedding ceremony. At least not if it was anything like this.
When your friend decided on an Easter wedding you imagined along the lines of a few soft pastel colours for clothes and spring themed decorations with some flowers. The reality was a kaleidoscope of colourful fabrics worn throughout the venue while flowers bloomed from every nook and cranny hiding decorations adorned with chicks, lambs and bunnies which admittedly were cute. More than anything it was the chaos that was lending towards your avoidance.
As Maid of Honor the bride had tasked you to ensure that everything at the venue was perfect. After your third lap checking that everything was ready and running like clockwork weaving amongst staff who were making last minute adjustments and children being chased by parents who attempted to wrangle them into ‘nice’ clothes you felt the need for fresh air before returning to the bride.
Stepping outside you left the building and walked towards the edge of the property where a secluded stretch of beach sat and would offer you tranquility. As you walked you noticed the greenery and various plants starting to bud. Though this wedding had been planned for three years, it was truly symbolic that the Earth’s greenery was returning at Easter.
Eighteen months ago the Earth had been blanketed in snow and ice which had now melted from the majority of the planet. Reaching down you slipped off your shoes to dig your toes into the sand. Warm and grainy. Just as he said.
With a sigh you looked up at the blazing sun. Icarus II had obviously succeeded in their mission. But it was the lack of communication prior to and afterwards that worried you. Mace had kept in contact as he promised, leaving you frequent video messages telling you about the crew, his daily life on Icarus and how vast space really was. In return you kept him updated about his family and wedding preparations since there wasn’t much change on Earth. He had warned you when they were expected to reach the dead zone and to expect his last message beforehand. When you didn’t reply he promised that he would send a message. But a week before the expected date you woke up to find the sun burning brighter than it had in years. It hadn’t taken long to realise that something must have happened if the mission had been completed a week faster than expected.
While the planet rejoiced you wondered and worried because there was no communication from Icarus II. For the past 18 months you hoped and prayed but that hope began to dwindle. More than anything you wish that you’d told Mace how you felt. Silly as it sounded, a small part hoped that somehow he’d appear today because it was his next mission to be Best Man and see his best friend married.
Coming to a stop where the now ice free water ebbed and flowed along the shore you shivered when the cool tickled your toes but just watched the waves. Inhaling deeply the salt tinged air filled your nostrils and with each breath the melancholy melted into serenity.
“Peaceful isn’t it?”
Every bone in your body locked at the familiar voice you had not heard in person for three years. Heart pounding you slowly turned and took in his appearance as he stood feet away facing the ocean. A neatly trimmed beard lined his strong jaw and framed his mouth while thick brown locks were neatly combed back. He was also barefoot holding his shoes in one hand while his black tuxedo trousers were cuffed to avoid getting wet in the surf.
"On Icarus we had a room meant to simulate places on Earth. Forests, mountains… but I always chose the beach."
Mace turned with a serene smile that grew as you moved slowly towards him. When you were close enough you began slapping at his chest and whatever parts of him you could reach. Surprised he could only try to deflect your hits.
“Eighteen. Months. Not a word. Nothing but silence for eighteen months. What the hell, Mace?” Emotion bubbled in your chest but screw it if you'd break down before you got answers.
He caught your hands with one of his and tried to reason with you. “We lost two of the comm towers on the way. They were the two needed for the return journey. There was no way to contact Earth.” He finally tugged you close.
You squirmed, torn between wanting to hug him till his ribs broke or keep hitting him so he could understand even a hint of the pain you’d been in during the communications blackout. If you looked at him all the anger would vanish. Don't look at him yet.
“All right. That explains the radio silence. How about you missing your final check in? You promised, Mace.” A traitorous tear trickled down your cheek.
”I know.” He ducked his head so his forehead pressed to yours, blue eyes wide and beseeching. “We reached the dead zone a week early and had 12 hours to send our final packages.” You felt his forehead crease. “One of the crew took longer than his allotted time which meant I missed the window. Believe me, I let him know how happy I was about that.”
A snort escaped your lips as you tried to bite back a smile. That was also a valid explanation. Mace and his temper. He could be calm one moment and swing into a wild fury the next though you had never caused or witnessed the latter.
The wind blew and along with the scent of the ocean was his aftershave and something just Mace. Surrendering to relief you yanked your hands free only to throw them around his neck. Mace was obviously unprepared for the enthusiastic greeting given your first response but he flailed trying to regain his balance. Leaning back with a retort about being back on terra firma you froze when you saw his face properly. Because you had first seen him from a distance you had not seen the scarring on his handsome face until he was right in front of you. Unwinding your hands from his neck your fingers hovered over the marked flesh.
"Doesn't hurt." Mace caught one of your hands and rubbed it along the curve of his cheek. Your eyes travelled along his strong jaw to his neck which also showed signs of the scaring. Then a metallic glint attracted your attention. In his other hand Mace held a cane.
"Mace… what happened?" You could barely choke the words out suddenly terrified.
"Hey! The bride's looking for you, what the hell are you-" One of the groomsmen came running towards you both, pausing and frowning before he recognised the man standing with you.
"MACE! Holy shit when did you get back?"
As Mace opened his mouth the groomsman shook his head. "Later. You finished that mission now you gotta get your friends hitched. Let's go!"
Suddenly everything came flooding back. The wedding. Your friends. Your duties. But the last thing you wanted to do was leave Mace. He seemed to feel the same way as he smiled and guided your hand to his arm and you both walked carefully back to the venue. Thinking how to calm your friend and hopefully avoid her tongue lashing you decided to get her a glass of champagne since she was basically ready to walk down the aisle. Mace followed you to the bar and asked for a shot of whisky.
“Need a shot of courage for your Best Man nerves Mace?”
Mace shook his head. “Emergency supply for the groom but only if he’s stone cold sober. Besides as the Best Man I gotta look good with the Maid of Honor. Not hard to do when she looks so beautiful though.”
You murmured your thanks shyly before suddenly blurting out “I like your hair like that.”
Pink flushed his cheeks but he grinned. “Someone once said I should try growing it out. But maybe not the grunge look I had while I was away.”
Blushing you giggled at the memory. But before either of you could speak the same groomsman from before came skidding into the room. “Seriously? You two can catch up or canoodle later, you’ve got people waiting on you!”
With a squeak you grabbed the champagne and turned to move before glancing back at Mace.
“We’ll talk later. I’ll see you at the start of the aisle.”
Nodding you hurried back to the bride who was ready to tear you a new one. Luckily the champagne was a soothing balm along with your basic explanation. When she learned that Mace was back she was very forgiving and excited that the intended Best Man would be standing alongside her soon to be husband. Now you focused your attention knowing the time was fast approaching. Not only for the ceremony. But to be honest with Mace.
The ceremony was beautiful. Mace had escorted you up and down the aisle with quiet confidence despite the murmurs and whispers when people noticed the cane. The vows your friends exchanged caused you to tear up and look towards Mace who offered you a smile and winked which caused you to blush again.
What was he doing?
Now you were standing in the reception. Dinner had been served and now you sat watching the couple as they finished their first dance before welcoming others to join them. A hand appeared in your vision.
”May I have this dance?”
Despite wanting to so badly you couldn’t help glancing at his cane. “Mace, your leg.”
He shrugged. “I may not be able to do the Hokey Pokey but I can still move around.”
When you stood he led you to the edge of the dance floor. The music wasn’t as loud and you had enough room that you could move at a suitable pace for him. You draped your hands around his neck while his rested on your waist. As the song played you were curious about his hair and ran your fingers through the silky strands before reaching the uneven scarring.
“What happened up there Mace?”
A haunted look crossed his face. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you another time.” When you opened your mouth to protest one of his fingers rested on your lips. “This isn't the time or place. " When you gave a slow nod of agreement his finger moved so his hand tilted your chin. His blue eyes were bright and watery. "But what I need you to know right now is that there wasn’t a moment during the mission where I wasn’t thinking of you. At one point I honestly thought I would never come back.” Crystal blue eyes became foggy and distant with remembrance.
As his body wracked with violent shivers from being in the coolant tank Mace cried out when he felt the mainframe digging into his trapped leg. Every attempt to twist it free resulted in more blood loss. Shuddering, he felt his grip start to slack.
”Mace?! It’s Capa we’re coming!”
The words barely registered but he heard them. Teeth chattering he tried to grip the ledge but could barely flex his fingers. The cold shook him to his core.
”Just hang on!”
All Mace wanted was stop being cold and be warm again. Warm… like how he’d felt waking up that last morning with you. How he craved to feel that again. He’d been surprised that you were still in his arms and even more surprised that you held him as tightly as he held you. When you burrowed deeper into his hold he felt warm. Not just from your proximity or being wrapped in the covers. But a warmth that started in his heart and spread throughout his whole being.
Along with pain in his leg Mace then felt a sharp stab of regret. Why had he left that morning without waking you? He could have held you one last time, seen your smile and heard his name like it was your favourite word. And suddenly your face burst into his mind with that soft smile you reserved just for him.
Not like this. It wasn’t going to end like this. He had to see you. Talk to you. Hold you. Tell you.
You trembled at the look on his face as his warm blue eyes focused on you once more.
“You got me through it. You kept me alive and hoping.”
"Mace, I-"
“Ladies and gentlemen please clear the dance floor for the bouquet and garter toss.”
Cursing the timing once again you frowned as Mace gently escorted you off the dance floor and towards your table. Once you were sat he went to move but stopped when you caught his hand.
”I promise I’ll be back. Just need a drink.”
Jealousy swirled in your stomach as you watched him at the bar. A woman was practically throwing herself at him and you could see that he wasn’t responding but still she persevered. When you stood and headed over - either to run interference or kick her ass - he faced her and you could see that his eyes were cold like ice. She almost withered under his glare before scuttling away. Mace then turned to you and the icy glaciers melted into blue pools when his gaze met yours as he raised a brow.
“That looked painful. I'm guessing she wasn’t impressive enough for Space Engineer James Mace?” You teased gently, wanting to know why she’d left so quickly.
Mace took a swig from his drink before setting it on the bar. “She was wasting her time. There's one woman whose attention I want.” His gaze settled on you as he stepped close to you. “One woman I want. One woman I love.”
“Your one?” You breathed as his hands rested on your hips while yours looped up around his neck.
“My only one.” Mace’s kiss was as soft as his whisper but you felt the depth behind both the words and the action.
“You’re my only one too Mace.”
Standing on tiptoe you sought Mace's mouth and moaned softly when he pulled you into his hold one arm moving to your back while the other cupped the back of your head. From how firmly he held on it seemed he wouldn't be letting go in the short or long term. A few tears of joy spilled down your cheeks before you could stop them. Today had started with the final ember of hope for Mace's return flickering away. Just like his mission he not only reignited the flame but strengthened it with his declaration. All those years of wondering and worrying were worth the wait.
As you and Mace continued to kiss, neither of you noticed the commotion over the garter and bouquet tosses. When the men began jeering your eyes open to see that the blue garter had landed on his head. As you raised a hand to pluck it off the bouquet landed between your bodies. Mace blinked in surprise before grinning. “Looks like you’re gonna be my only one for a long time.”
💖🌶 I'll leave it to you but you know I'm gonna have to pick Mace!
Home to you
James Mace x fem!Reader || W/C: 979
Tags: fluff, tiny hint of angst, established relationship, definitely the end Mace deserved, *sniff*, and this freaking fucking picture, someone slap me because look at that pic of him - such a Jakey + Mace mix.
A/N: I love the layout so much, I’m sorry. But the pic got me AH! Anyway, Sharky, that’s my valentines gift for you! I hope you enjoy. I decided to use fluffy for this one with the prompt: surprise visit / coming home early. Love you!❤️
Soft sunlight lightens up most of the small - old fashioned kitchen of your own little home. The steam of the cooking noodles fogging parts above the stove, drawing soft pictures onto the counters around.
A heart - a heart your boyfriend draw into the wetness a few months back. Both your initials written into it.
You can still remember the soft smile, the pink on his cheeks as you walked into the kitchen and cleared your throat, pulling him out of his thoughts and actions.
It's still there when you cook, when the steam sticks to the counters.
With a soft hum, you twirl a bit - left and right. The song that's carried soft and smooth through the kitchen makes you think of him.
Of your boyfriend. The man you fell in love with - the man who's not just a few miles away but thousands of miles.
The song - one of the many - you used to dance to with him. Until the middle of the night, wrapped into each others warmth.
Wrapped into the thick arms of your boyfriend. James - or what he prefers Mace.
His broad hands would move to your hips, fingers digging into your soft flesh when he makes you both sway left and right, back and forth to the songs you love.
All the songs you hear on repeat ever since the space mission started. The playlist he made for the two of you so you would feel close to one another even with the distance between you.
Everyday you start the playlist again. The songs already written into your mind, you could sing them all without having to hear them by now - but somehow the noises, the melody makes you feel less alone.
It's been weeks - months even - since Mace had to leave. And now it's already days since the two of you were able to talk to one another - to see or hear the other.
The thought of not getting him back is breaking your heart piece by piece. Every day feels like losing him a bit more - distancing from him.
Not just physical but also mentally.
And as much as these thoughts try to push themselves to the front of your mind, you can't - you won't let them get the attention they try to demand.
Not when there's still a chance to get back the man you love.
He's coming back to you - he's surely coming back to you. Maybe not today maybe not next week but your heart tells you that he's not as far away as you may think. That he's back before you even blink and he will walk through the wooden door where both of your names are beautiful engraved in.
With another twirl you face the framed picture of you and Mace. Your first kiss.
It was in the middle of the night, it was cold and rainy but Mace dragged you to the ocean - the place he loves most and kisses you in the depth of the night under the bright of the silver moon above the ocean.
Turning off the stove you smile softly to yourself. It's his favorite dish and even after all these weeks where he's on this space mission, you keep making the amount of food for the two of you.
It's the noise of the wooden front door cracking softly, that has your head snapping up immediately. The sun shines through the now open door, brightening the hallway in a warm yellow light.
Instinctively, you reach for the knife that's next to your plate, fingers curling around the handle as you hold it in front of you.
"I'm not afraid to sta-" you say, interrupting yourself. Eyes widen and mouth agape.
This can't be. Right?
Are you dreaming. Hallucinating?
"Stab me?" James chuckles, his usual longer hair now trimmed, his ocean blue eyes tired but they shine like the sun. "And here I thought you would be happy to have me back."
Your mouth closes but you're still too stunned to say something. He looks handsome as ever, even with those short hair.
Still trained, handsome and smiling, just as you remember.
"It looks delicious. Hope you made enough to feed your boyfriend who hasn't had a good dish in what feels like forever. Space food really isn't the best, I can tell you," Mace jokes, taking a small step closer to you but not enough to touch you just yet.
"Mace," you whisper, dropping the knife onto the counter as your boyfriend keeps watching you - in all his glory. "Mace! You're back."
He really is standing there, in person. After months of not being able to around him, not knowing if he will ever come back to you - there he is.
Smiling. Waiting for you to move, to let him get closer without spooking you.
You take a step closer, then stop, letting your eyes rank over his body once more. Over his face.
"Of course I am. Thought you would love to be surprised, didn't think you would rather stab me the moment I step foot into our house," he jokes, finally taking a slow step closer. His hands reaching out to curl around your wrists. "You look stunning, babe."
Lifting your hands to his neck, he makes sure you interlace your fingers there before he withdraws his hands and settles them onto your waist. Fingers digging into your soft flesh, pulling your body against his firm chest.
"You still listening to that playlist?" Mace ask, a soft smile curling on his lips as they ghost above yours. "Cause I heard them every day when I watched the ocean on this big television, thought of you."
"Every day," you whisper before finally - finally - breaking the distance between your lips and letting your body sink into Mace's firm, warm one.
He's home. And after months, so are you - in his arms.
Did I mention this freaking pic? It’s so soft and handsome at the same time- anyway, I kinda love this Drabble.🙂↕️😂
