Summary: Anthony Lockwood x fe!Reader -> After a tough case, Lockwood and you share a few intimate moments.
Disclaimer: Fluff with a hint of angst and hurt/comfort. Friends to lovers, found family, Lockwood brushes reader's hair, chin tilts and kissing. Happy ending.
In the silence of the library, you took a breath. It had been a tough case. A long case.
Six months of research, three failed attempts, two near death experiences and finally one night to change it all. To finally put the case to bed for good.
“Feeling better?”
You turned quickly, the voice shocking you back into reality. “What? Oh, yeah.”
Lockwood walked inside the library slowly, his finger trailing a few stacks of books as he did so. “You took a pretty hard fall.”
You nodded but sat down in one of the chairs with a deep sigh. After the forty minute shower you took, scrubbing your entire body to within an inch of its life, you were welcoming to the warmth of the dying embers of the fireplace.
“I’ve had worse injuries, Lockwood.”
He nodded, stopping just short of the seating area. He knew your injuries all too well. He’d been there for most of them. From the scrapped knee and black eye when he first met you, to the three months you spent in the hospital ward healing from a blade wound.
He knew you had worse injuries in the past.
But that didn’t stop him from worrying.
“I know,” he said. “I just want to make sure.”
You looked up at him with a tired smile as he walked closer. He stopped beside your chair, his hand reaching out for your face.
You felt his thumb trace the small cut above your brow. “Just tired. That’s all. How are the others?”
Lockwood took in a deep breath and moved away from you, putting a fair distance between you both as he sat across from you. “Asleep. Like you should be.”
“Like we both should be,” you corrected.
Lockwood just hummed and pressed a hand to his face as he looked towards the fire. “I don’t think I’ll be getting any sleep tonight.”
“You should at least try, or else you’re going to be like a zombie walking around here for the next three days.”
Lockwood gave you a tired laugh. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I know I’m right.”
For a while, you both just looked at each other. In the silence, more words were spoken between you both.
It had been like that since the beginning.
You’d met on a case. You were working for another outfit at the time. Turning a corner, George had thrown the first punch thinking it was an intruder. After all, you didn’t wear a uniform. Two hours and many arguments and apologies later, you were sitting at their kitchen table as Lockwood handed you a frozen bag of peas.
“Look at me,” were his words.
And you did. Through blurry vision, you saw the cringe on his face as he took in your own. That black eye stayed with you for three weeks.
“I have to hand it to you, George. You’ve got a mean hook.”
“Again, I am really sorry.”
“He is,” Lucy had added.
You gave her a light smile before turning back to Lockwood. You watched as he kept his focus on your eyes – probably checking for a concussion – and then saw his eyes flick over your body before they landed on your torn up knee.
He had looked back at you and then nodded.
I’m gonna help.
You don’t have to.
I’m doing it anywhere. Don’t argue with me.
A minute later, he was on his own knees, cleaning out your scrapped knee before laying a bandage over it and tucking it into place.
A week later, you became a regular at their kitchen table.
Though it had been a few years since then, the ability to talk louder in the silent conversations hadn’t changed for you and Lockwood.
You were the first to break eye contact. “I should probably head to bed. Do you know if Lucy still has the detangler? Getting these knots out is going to be a nightmare.”
You kept your focus on one of the many knots in your hair, trying to pick at it with your fingers.
“It’s in the hallway,” Lockwood told you. He recalled seeing it on his way to the library. “Want me to do it?”
“You want to brush my hair?”
“When you put it like that, it sounds weird.” Lockwood said. “I know you don’t like tangles and it’s been a long-”
“Oh, no. You can do it.”
Holding your arms up in the shower to wash your hair had been exhausting. If you could get out of having to brush your own hair? You were ready to sign the contract.
Ten minutes later, you were sitting on the floor, in front of Lockwood’s chair, in between his legs.
“Sorry if this hurts.”
You chuckled a little. “It’s the first time it hasn’t. Lucy can be heavy handed sometimes.”
You weren’t often hair-sore but when your body was weary, your scalp could become sensitive. And, when it had been a long case and you were in need of a touch of comfort, Lucy would brush your hair for you.
You had done it for her, too. You supposed it was a part of girlhood, having your hair brushed by someone else.
There was no other feeling like it.
It was the first time Lockwood had done it for you. But it was also the gentlest you’d had it – even compared to when you did it yourself.
“Are you sure you’re okay after tonight?” Lockwood asked you after a further ten minutes of silence.
You lowered your head a little. “I will be.”
Lockwood’s hand paused for a moment, for a second, before he continued. “It was a tough one. If you want to head home for a couple days, that’s okay.”
You shook your head. “I think that would only make it worse.”
Your family wasn’t exactly up for hearing about what you did for work. So, needing to talk about something and going to your family to do so – especially when it was about work – was just self punishment.
Lockwood nodded. “They’re still not…”
“Nope,” you answered. “But, it’s okay.” You plastered on a smile. “They have their own shit to deal with and-”
“Hey, look at me.” Lockwood’s hands dropped from your hair before one landed under your chin. He tilted your head gently until you were looking at him. “Don’t do that. Not with me. Please. Everyone has their shit, but that’s what family is for. They don’t have to carry it, but they should help lessen the burden.”
A sad smile came to your face as you shrugged your shoulders. “Still becomes a bigger burden when I try and talk to them. Even comes with a free side of Guilt.”
Lockwood shook his head. He’d met your family a few times over the years, he’d heard them more over the phone. The way they’d change the subject if you mentioned work, or how they’d try and end the conversation sooner. Or they’d tell you to get out and find a different job if you didn’t think you could handle it.
He knew they loved you. You knew they loved you. But you also knew, and so did Lockwood, that they didn’t love the Work Version of you. That was the part of you that could remain separate from their daily lives.
Little did they realise, that part of you was a big part of the rest of you.
It was in your bones to help people. To research. To give a chance to those who no longer had a voice.
The bumps, bruises and mild concussions were an easy price to pay. But the fear? The worry? The…mouring? They came at an extra cost and in no way were your family back home helping you cover it.
But Lockwood did. As did Lucy and George.
“I’m sorry.”
You shrugged. “Don’t be. It’s not your fault.”
“I’m still sorry.”
The silence settled over you both once more. And a longer conversation was had.
They should be helping you. I always will.
You shouldn’t have to. But thank you. For everything.
We’re your family.
You’re my family.
I…
I…
Lockwood’s lips met yours in a tender kiss. His finger hooked under your chin, he’d pulled you in slowly, with both a need and a slight curiosity.
If you wanted to move away, you had plenty of time. But you were curious, too.
With one hand on his knee, you slowly pushed yourself until you were kneeling in front of him. The kiss bearly breaking, his hands came to either side of your face and held you closer.
Lockwood’s senses were being filled with you. The scent of your shampoo, the taste of your mouth, the feeling of your soft skin under his hands.
“L…Lockwood…”
The kiss came to an abrupt halt.
“I-I’m…I’m so sorry-”
Your hands held him in place as you shook your head lightly. Opening your eyes, you focused on your hands, the way you held onto his thighs. The way one of his hands covered the top of yours.
Then your gaze tracked him. His chest, gasping for breath. His shoulders, a little tense. His own gaze was coming back into reality from the feeling of a drunken state. And his lips. Freshly kissed.
You could feel your own, still burning with his taste. And the only way to douse the fire was to feel him again.
“Don’t be sorry,” you told him. “I know I’m not.”
Lockwood’s gaze tracked yours.
You’re not?
No. Are you?
Of course not…but…
There were complications that came with kissing Lockwood.
First of all, you were friends. And had been for a long time.
Second, you both lived together.
Third, he was, by all legal technicalities, your boss.
Fourth…
The fourth complication was the way you wanted to kiss him again. It was the feeling in your gut and in your soul that suddenly felt like it was burning again, but in the best way.
“This could be complicated.” Lockwood sighed, his forehead dropping against yours.
“It will be complicated.”
“Is it too late to save it?”
You didn’t have to open your eyes and look at him to know he already knew the answer.
“I think it’s been too late to ‘save it’ for a while now.”
Lockwood smiled. “You’re probably right.”
“I know I’m right.”
Lockwood smiled again and lifted his head to look into your eyes. With his thumb tracing your jaw, you smiled.
And he kissed you again.
Whatever complications were to be the consequence of a kiss, you could both deal with tomorrow.
the best part is, that time it passes - lockwood x gn!reader
wc: 1137
summary: when a case ticks over to your birthday, lockwood makes sure he's the first to celebrate with you. established relationship.
me: first of my little birthday celebration sprint! trying to convince myself that getting older is exciting (i'm leaving my teens and freaking out). title inspired by the song heart shaped locket by shallow alcove!
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
The night’s case was surprisingly simple. Nothing went overly wrong, no surprise twists the customers ‘forgot’ to tell you all. Despite the necessary late start to the job, you would all say you were essentially in and out, free for the night just as midnight ticked over.
“God, I’m ready to sleep for the next 48 hours,” Lucy complained as you all left the case house, messing with her hair.
“Do you guys wanna go ahead?” Lockwood asked, grabbing your arm softly to pull you behind, “We’ve got something I wanna do, but we’ll be home soon.”
George and Lucy easily agreed, keen to get home and enjoy a rare, somewhat early night. You slipped your hand into Lockwood’s, letting him take you on whatever surprise errand he hadn’t told you about yet.
You wandered through London together, hand in hand, rapiers hanging on your outer sides just in case.
“So what are we actually doing?” You asked, changing your steps so you were walking in sync. He laughed at your behaviour, pulling you lightly around a corner.
Seemingly the only thing open was a tiny little hole in the wall place, illuminating the whole street in the neon lights from its sign.
Lockwood led you inside, faced with a line of display counters, still mostly stocked with treats of every kind. Cupcakes, slices, macaroons and cookies filled the tiny bakery with gorgeous smells that had you salivating the second you crossed the threshold.
“What are you feeling?” He asked as you rushed to the display case, carefully picking out what you wanted the most. You settled on a vanilla cupcake, decorated with pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles. “Two, please.” Lockwood pointed it out to the old woman behind the counter, paying before you could even reach for your wallet.
“Thank you.” You smiled, accepting the paper bag with your treat in it.
“Happy birthday.”
“You remembered?” You looked up at him, smile twitching at the corner of your lips.
“Of course.” He said it as if it were no big deal, but in truth, it meant everything to you. You took his hand again, holding it tight and squeezing it for emphasis.
Lockwood led you around town, finally stopping when you got to a bridge, one you'd spent many days on together. It looked different at night, bathed in the yellow light of the street lamps.
Lockwood sat down when he decided that the spot was right, patting the place next to him for you. You followed without hesitation, both of you letting your feet dangle above the freezing water below.
You pulled out your cupcake, and Lockwood pulled a candle from somewhere in his long coat to place it in the frosting, ripping a fit of giggles from you.
“You’re ridiculous.” You shook your head, smile not faltering. He pulled a lighter from another pocket, presenting the finished product. You blew the flame out, reaching up to press a kiss to Lockwood’s cheek.
“One year closer to the grave,” Lockwood joked in his typical, slightly concerning manner. Trying not to get mushy with you.
“One year closer to being old,” You corrected, smiling at the thought. “Wouldn’t that be nice? Being old.”
“Why?” He laughed dryly, softly kicking his feet over the tall drop. “Back aches, poor eyesight? What’s exciting about that?”
You shoved him softly, finishing a mouthful of cupcake.
“No, stupid. Wouldn’t it be nice to have crow’s feet and smile lines from years of laughing instead of worry? Memories to look back on, experiences to have had. Isn’t it exciting that there are endless possibilities?”
Lockwood believed you, he really did. It was just hard. Hard to see himself alive in one year, let alone fifty. You knew from his silence that he was still apprehensive, and kept talking.
“Come on, once we’re too old to be of any help to anyone, we’ll pass on the agency to some other terrible, stubborn agents, and we’ll retire to the country. We’ll grow huge gardens of lavender so we’ll never have to worry about visitors. You’ll read those trashy magazines out on the porch of a farmhouse, and I’ll bake in a huge kitchen. I’ll paint all the cabinets ridiculous colours, and you’ll roll your eyes, but help me whenever I ask. We’ll be peaceful and happy and old. What more could we ask for?”
The answer was nothing, of course, and Lockwood’s chest glowed at the indication that you’d seriously thought about your future with him.
“Well, gotta make it through all those cases first.”
Lockwood was deflecting, you knew it. You didn’t mind; it was just his way of dealing with things, dealing with his fears. After knowing him for so long, you were used to Lockwood’s difficulty with his own feelings. You had plenty to spare.
“We always do, you know that. And I’ll keep saving your ass until we both lose our Talent.”
“Then we can be shuffleboard geriatrics?” He toed the line between joking and being serious, but you placed your hand over his, looking at him intently.
“We can be anything you like, Anthony. Long as I’m with you, I could live the rest of my days out on house arrest.” Lockwood knew that would be your nightmare, being useless and confined. He didn’t take the proclamation lightly.
“I’d never make you do that.”
“I know,” You smiled, running a hand softly through his hair, “That’s why I like you so much.”
The same hand trailed down towards his face, cupping his cheek so you could pull him into you. Lockwood’s lips were slightly chapped, understandable given the night you’d already had, but they were always soft when he kissed you. You thought it must have been the love you shared — it made everything softer.
“Time to head home?” Lockwood asked after a while, conscious of how you’d started shivering. You nodded, folding up your cupcake wrapper and sliding it into your pocket to throw out later.
The rest of the world was still and silent as you walked home together, Lockwood’s arm wrapped safely around you.
Portland Row was just around the corner, and Lockwood grew tender again, sobering up from the giggles you’d both been lost in.
“Happy birthday, beautiful.”
You pressed another kiss to his lips instead of replying. Maybe it was really scary to be growing older, to have finite time left to pursue what you currently considered your life’s purpose. Concurrently, being with Anthony Lockwood made you look forward decades, excited to plan a future that was just beginning. And with Lockwood, everything seemed possible.
I care about you - Lockwood x reader fluff oneshot
Summary: Friends to lovers where Lockwood saves the reader from a pushy guy
"Y/N L/N what a surprise"
"Ah if it isn't the bellend of London" you replied
"Y/N nice to see you again" a second voice said.
"Hi George, how are you?"
He was about to reply but Lockwood cut him off.
"I'm surprised to see you at the library. I didn't know you could read" he sneered.
"Just because you learnt how last year doesn't mean all of us did" she retorted.
"Um what's going on?" Lucy questioned, eyes flitting between the two.
"This is Y/N L/N, she works at Fittes, and she is second most annoying agent I've ever met" Lockwood introduced the girl sarcastically.
"The first is Kippes" he added quietly, to Lucy.
"Surprised you have time to think about all the agents that annoy you while you're burning down buildings" she said, raising her eyebrows knowingly.
"That was a low blow" Lockwood replied
"I prefer to think of it as a burn" she said, and the poor pun led Lockwood to roll his eyes in exasperation but made Lucy let out a snort.
"Still not as hot as you" He quipped, lifting Y/N's hand as he bent to kiss the top of her knuckles. She ripped it away shaking her head in simulated vexation.
"Charming as ever, sweetheart" she said, dusting her hand off in mock disgust, before tucking it into her pocket.
"Aww you found another poor soul to torture" Y/N cooed mockingly as she finally took notice of Lucy.
"Has she not realised how irritating you are yet or is she just tolerating it like George?" Y/N spoke with a smirk.
"My agents find me a perfectly competent boss" he argued but was undermined by George's hesitant expression.
"Mhmm I'm sure they do" she hummed.
"Well as much as I'd hate to stay and chat, we have some urgent work to do" Y/N said and was swept off by the rest of her team.
"Lovely, now that you're done flirting can we get to our work" George asked, pulling a book clothed in a thick green from a shelf beside him.
"Now I'm confused do they hate each other or love each other" Lucy asked as she followed the boys to an open table.
"Love to hate each other, the way I see it" Lockwood answered.
"Think there's a little more love than hate on this side of the library though" George smiled suggestively.
"Oooh does Lockwood have a crush" Lucy simpered.
"No. Lockwood does not have a crush, Lockwood has work to do" he combatted, purposely averting eye contact with the other two as he flipped through their files.
_____________________
Lockwood and Co strode into the retro cafe, stickered doors clanging behind them... well Lockwood strode in, George shuffled and Lucy followed. A smile crept onto his face, but he hid it well, clearing his throat to signal their arrival. A group of agents who were talking to Barnes span around to face the group.
"Oh, it's you" Y/N said, her face scrunching up.
"Missed me?" Lockwood said sarcastically.
"Not as much as I missed beating your a-"
"Alright you two" Barnes cut Y/N off.
"I need two teams to figure out who's haunting this cafe, there's a lot of investigation and we're not sure how severe this threat is, so be careful"
"You might need to say that last bit again sir, Lockwood is notorious for pulling reckless stunts" Y/N said, side-eyeing the brown-haired boy.
"Maybe you should join me in a stunt every once in a while"
"I would but I'm too pretty to be burned alive"
"Can't argue there" Lockwood said meeting Y/N's smile with a grin that reached his eyes.
"Let's split up, you guys examine this area and we'll check out the kitchen" Y/N said and her team nodded in response as they spread out over the ruined cafe, climbing over toppled tables and shards of glass confetti.
"Just can't stand to be away from me, I see" Lockwood said as he followed her through to the kitchen at the back, Y/N could practically smell the smugness in his voice.
Skirting around spilled food and damaged ovens the group searched the kitchen for any evidence.
"What on earth is this?" George said, leaning close to a puddle of smoky goo on a countertop, reaching out a finger.
"Don't touch it, Luce hand me a vial" Lockwood said racing over to his friend. Y/N stepped in between them just as the vial graced Lockwood's fingertips, stealing the small container for herself.
"Let me show you how it's done pretty boy" she said with an air of superiority that could combat his own.
"You're a right pain you know that" Lockwood growled, stalking up to her and yanking the vial out of her hands so he could close it with a cork.
"Then why do you keep coming back" Y/N said putting on a sultry voice and leaning closer to his chest.
"Maybe I like it" he matched her energy looking down at her with seductive eyes.
She giggled and walked past him, joining Lucy to look for more clues. Lockwood ignored the heat that had risen in his chest and was unaware of the slight pink tinge that had found his cheeks, but George knew. The curly haired boy watched Lockwood follow the girls with a smile, it wasn't a question of if, it was a question of when.
_____________________
Lockwood crept forward, back pressed flush against the cold marble walls, his rapier tucked on the inside of his coat to muffle any clanging. Voices echoed from the room into the large hall, raised voices that were getting louder and louder.
"Remind me again, why we're doing this" George whispered begrudgingly from behind Lockwood.
"Fittes has some new equipment or technology for dealing with visitors and we need to find out what it is" he responded.
"By spying on other agents?" Lucy asked skeptically, as they round the corner, now standing just outside the rooms entrance.
"They're our competition, we have to know what we're up against" he argued back.
"I'm sorry I'm just not interested right now" a voice yelled, a familiar voice.
"Is that?" George started to say but quietened as the conversation continued.
"Stop being such a prude" the male voice said.
"How dare you!" The voice seethed.
"I'm just saying don't knock it till you try it" he said.
"Goodbye O' Connor" her voice was firm.
"Wait, wait!" His voice got deeper and louder.
The sound of scuffling met the trios ears and within a second Lockwood had left their poor hiding spot and strode into the room. Cape swishing and sword clanking he made it to the centre of the room in 3 strides. His eyes darkened when he saw a blonde haired man with a tight grip on Y/N's arm, and a panicked expression on the girls face as she tried to pull away.
Hand swiftly moving to cover the man's chest Lockwood shoved him away from Y/N in one move, making him stumble. Lockwood took his position, facing the now red faced man, in front of Y/N so she was protected from any other attempts.
"Clearly English must be your second language, otherwise you'd understand that no means no" Lockwood's voice came out smooth but Y/N could detect a slight shake from the rage he was trying to conceal. He stood tall with his chin high, one hand clasping the hilt of his rapier and the other beside him ready to shield Y/N. Lockwood's vision almost blurred from anger, all the fury bubbling inside him threatened to spill, but urged himself not to murder someone in front of Y/N.
"I suggest you leave unless you want to lose that hand" he asserted, clear and commanding. The other agent cast a regretful look at Y/N over Lockwood's shoulder before heading to the door resentfully.
"Oh and if you ever come near Y/N again, I will personally stick a dagger through your neck" he added with a small smirk.
The man's fists clenched just as he was about to reach for the door, but he must have decided it wasn't worth it because he exited anyway.
At the soft sound of her breath Lockwood turned around to Y/N, concern scribed on his features.
"Are you okay?" He murmured placing a hand on her cheek and twisting it gently looking for signs of distress.
After a moment Y/N recovered from her shock.
"What the hell was that?" She exclaimed.
Lockwood stumbled slightly as he was taken aback.
"Excuse me?"
"What was that? He could've beat you up, why would you do something so stupid just cause some guy asked me out" Y/N said.
The brown eyed boy's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"That man wasn't asking you out, he was demanding it. And are you saying you would have rather I didn't walk in" he argued.
"I'm not saying I'm not I'm not grateful I'm just saying it's stupid to do something so reckless for some frenemy you don't even care about" she remarked.
" I do care about you!" Lockwood yelled.
He was met with silence and a mild look of surprise on Y/N's face.
"I care about you a lot" he confessed
"My day lights up every time I come to a new case and see you, my heart beats faster anytime we see you, I replay our banter every night before bed and I can't wait to go to work whenever I'm on a case with you. I-"
The words had formed in Lockwood's head but no matter how hard he tried, he physically couldn't spit it out.
"I like you too" Y/N said softly, stepping up to him, reaching a hand up to caress his jaw ever so lightly.
"You do?" He asked
"You're not the only one who enjoys our banter" she said with a smile.
"Let's just say there's been more than one incident where I caught myself wishing our fake flirting wasn't fake" she admitted shyly.
Lockwood was dumbfounded and he stared at the girl in disbelief. He wrapped his arms around her middle and hoisted her up into the air, spinning around in joy as he clutched her close to him. Y/N let out a giggle, her wonderful giggle and grinned at him as he set her down. As if she was magnet, Lockwood felt himself being drawn to her, lips moving ever closer to hers until the tip of their noses touched.
"Would you like to go out on a date with me instead of that idiot?" He asked holding her hands in his hopefully. Y/N's smile grew even wider, if that was even possible and she nodded gleefully.
"It would be my honour Lockwood" she responded playfully.
George smiled as he watched the scene unfolding before him as Lucy cooed quietly. Glancing beside her she noticed George wore a smug grin on his face.
"Why are u smiling like that?" She asked curiously.
George shrugged happily "Lockwood owes me 20 bucks" he said looking back at the pair.
had this scene playing out in my head for a while and it doesn’t fit into my fic right now so here :p -- UNEDITED
tags: lockwood & co, anthony lockwood x gn!reader, fluffy goodness, reader had a bad time and lockwood comforts them, found family
━━━━━━･❪ 🎕 ❫ ･━━━━━━
On days like these you forget just how harsh the winter can be. Just when the Problem was at your doorstep, begging to harm you, a certain boy could make it all disappear in a snap.
“It’s going to get cold, my love” A quiet voice beckons towards you.
You snap out of your daze, setting down the spoon you had been mindlessly stirring in a small green teacup onto your blanket clad lap. The voice beams closer, taking the spoon from your lap and cupping your hand, making your fingers flush against the warmth of the ceramic.
“Don’t get too lost in your thoughts, okay? I know how you are. I won’t stand for it, not now.” You gaze up at your caring boyfriend with a quirk of your lip. Lockwood breathes out a quick smile of reassurance and leans forward, holding a quick kiss to your forehead before he’s back off to the kitchen with the teaspoon he had stolen.
How did you ever get here? Just a few years ago you had no idea about the little house on Portland Row. But now...now you can't imagine a life without the ragtag team you call family. Something you couldn't fathom just a few years prior turned into the most important decision of your life, and the best friends you could ever ask for. And...the best partner.
Lockwood wasn't perfect, no. But he loved you like it was breathing. Your problems became each others problems, and you took each other in with ease. His embrace could heal one thousand scars, and he reacted to everything you did as if the stars themselves cut you out and placed your head on his pillow every night.
And here he is waltzing out of the kitchen and taking you out of your daydream once again. What a sweet boy. He holds another teacup and a pack of biscuits, setting on the table in front of you both.
"I don't know if these are the ones you like, but I thought that the strawbe-" you cut off the poor boy that was explaining the biscuit flavor to give him a chaste kiss to the lips. He is surprised, staring at you for a second before sinking into the kiss and engulfing you into an embrace. Your bodies mold into one as the kiss deepens and he accidentally knocks you both over onto the couch.
As you tip over from his enthusiasm, you break the kiss and begin to giggle, his following suit once you push his jumper-clad torso back up. Once upright, he apologizes a quick, "Sorry, I um- what did you do that for?" He smiles a second and wraps you back up in the soft blanket you were initially sitting in.
Your hand lingers on his as he pulls the fabric over your shoulder, you had almost forgotten about the intention behind your sudden kiss. His hand stutters as you ghost his skin, his eyes fluttering to yours as you speak. "I could never ask for this."
Lockwood's eyes suddenly gloss over, as he makes the move to grasp your hand, holding it softly, yet firmly, in his as he brings it to his face. He stalls for just a breath as he brings your palm to his cheek, cupping his chin. A peck to the flesh of your palm as he continues to hold it against his face, he closes his eyes and breathes in your scent before speaking up.
Your cheeks heat as he does this intimate endeavor, left breathless by his boldness in this tranquil room you two share. "I wouldn't trade this for the world. You save me every day. I..." he pauses. You don't even take notice of your damp cheeks until he goes to hold them, wiping them dry.
He continues. "I love you. You're my warmth, my light every morning." Another kiss. This time his, and you are one again. After some moments shared between you two, muttering sickly sweet oaths in each others fondness, you sit back up. Then you see it. Fuckkk...the tea.
A defeated sigh leaves both of your lips as you snort once again. "I guess we got carried away...I'll make us a fresh batch.." He apologizes and begins to grab the now room temp ceramic mugs on the table, but you grab the hem of his grey jumper, stopping him before they can be lifted off the wood.
"I think I'd rather just sit here...stay?" You shy away, seemingly ignoring the tender moment you two had just shared.
Lockwood pauses and starts to laugh, still standing with the tea. "George will murder us both if we leave these on the table tonight. Can't start bad habits darling." He pecks your forehead and you nod, to which he takes his leave with the dishes.
In just the few moments it takes for him to leave with the cups and set them in the sink with a quick rinse, you are longing for his presence. A chuckle escapes your lips at this neediness- you can't believe yourself.
He returns with a half eaten bag of crisps and two cans of something fizzy to make up for the discarded tea and biscuits plan. Perfect.
Finding you chuckling to yourself, his amused smile precedes him as he wraps back up in the flurry of soft blankets and pillows you were hidden in. "Well what's going on now??"
You lay your head in his lap with all of the blankets around you and his finger traces the outline of your face, pushing anything out of the way to see you better. "Nothing...missed you."
He laughs boldly, the hand that was caressing your chin resting on your chest. "Missed me? You are...surprising."
As the night drones on you two eat snacks and discuss every topic under the sun...that is until the sun comes up.
"Oh shit...can we go to bed now? Is that even allowed??" You exclaim as he just laughs into a pillow, suddenly dropping it and picking you up from the couch in one fell swoop.
"In my book it is perfectly acceptable." You smile and dig your head into his chest. Lockwood's breathing starts to quicken, but calms as you settle into his jumper.
"Good. But bring the blankets?" You question as he starts to put you back down onto the couch.
"Anything for you, my warmth."
You two pick up as much as you can and scuttle to the bedroom. Another night well spent- wasting time in each others company. You can only imagine what the rest of your years might entail. Hopefully...more forgotten tea and lasting words.
━━━━━━･❪ 🎕 ❫ ･━━━━━━
note: I hope you enjoyed!! first time getting back into fluffy sweetness since I've been back on tumblr. notes welcome, let me know!!! BYE - ives
Synopsis: You've left that world all behind and you're happy, or at least as happy as you can be with your job, your new life. Until a delivery turns it all upside down and an irritating face keeps cropping up at every corner.
— lockwood holds you hostage (aka does his skincare routine for you) while you’re half asleep
notes. i bet you’d thought you’d seen the last of this man on my blog but u were WRONG. prompt from @novelbear !! happy one year of tangledinlove and you can hear it in the silence <3 i love you cameron chapman as anthony lockwood i love you
“Alright, we’re here—Yes, thank you. Have a good night.”
Your side grows cold as Lockwood slips away from you. “Thanks for what?”
“I was talking to the cabbie, love.”
“Oh, sorry.” You pat around the empty space where Lockwood had just been sitting and feel him slot your fingers together to help you out of the car.
He’s so lovely that he lets you lean on him all the way up to the staircase. You take synchronized steps, your right arm curled around his left and your face squished against his white button up. He urges you through the door but pauses once he locks it behind you.
“You should probably open your eyes for the steps.”
“Can’t. I’ll be awake if I do.”
“Don’t let go, then,” he says, as he does the walking for the both of you.
You’re happy when he goes slow enough so that you don’t trip and fall and eat the fabric on the steps. You’re less happy when he uses your grip on his arm to steer you in the direction of the bathroom.
“Lockwood, no,” you groan. You throw up a hand in front of your eyelids when he flicks the overhead lights on. “It’s too late for this.”
His whole body moves with his laugh so you have to as well, wrapped firmly around his arm. “Go get changed, then. I’ll just be a second.”
Holding Lockwood’s face in your hands and marveling over his smooth skin is fun until it means he actually abides by his skincare routine. It’s the first thing he does in the morning and the last thing he does before he sleeps (in addition to giving you a big kiss), and you admire his dedication until it means he’s wriggling out of your half-asleep grasp just so he can wash his face.
You tilt your head up and hope your distaste is obvious. He knows you’re not going to leave.
“I’ll wash your face, too.” He’s probably smiling as he says it. You know he’s offering just to soften the blow of keeping you awake for an extra few minutes. “Your skin will feel so nice in the morning.”
Your nap in the car means you haven’t seen his face in about an hour, so you think it’s finally the proper time to open your eyes. He’s smiling in just the way you’d predicted, and you give in immediately, pressing up on your toes to kiss his cheekbone. “Okay.”
He’s handsome all the time, but there’s something special in his eyes when he smiles. You feel so lucky.
“You’re gonna need to let go of my arm, though.”
You don’t scowl again even though you want to. His limb is released back to him very reluctantly.
“I’m excited,” he admits, lining up a few bottles by the edge of the sink. “You never let me do this.”
“It’ll be fast, right?”
“I’ll go fast for you.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll do me first and then you after.” He hands you your toothbrush, a dollop of toothpaste already sitting on the end.
(He’s right. He is being super fast, cause you have no idea when he’d managed that.)
“Brush your teeth,” he says.
You’re lazy. You start to wish you’d abandoned him to his silly routine and gotten your pyjamas on, but then you picture yourself alone in his big cold bed and are grateful you didn’t.
You watch him run through the steps like you have a million times before, getting a little distracted by how nice he looks with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
You realize he’s grinning at you after a few seconds of both of you staring at each other.
“Love, are you done?”
Lockwood’s skin is glowing the way it does when he’s all done his routine, and you realize you’ve been looking at him for far too long. He’s kind enough to not say anything about it when he holds your sleeves back so you can rinse out your mouth.
Or, his sleeves.
The black fabric is soft over your arms and you’re reminded that he’d given you his suit jacket earlier when you’d gotten cold. You think the two of you look a little funny when you stand up properly to look in the mirror. The front pieces of his hair are a little damp from when he’d washed his face, and the rest of his usual hairdo is just barely in place, windswept and messy after your long day. You probably look a little crumpled from your nap in the cab, which is why you much prefer to look at him instead.
Lockwood swipes at a bit of water under your chin so it doesn’t get on your dress, and you give him a very wet kiss on his jaw in thanks.
“Are you ready?” he asks, surprisingly energetic for this time of night. He slips some sort of headband over your head to keep your face clear, and pops the cap off of his first bottle.
“I’m ready to sleep.”
“We will in ten minutes. Less than.”
“We better.”
Lockwood’s clearly having fun running through the steps of his routine with you, and you hear him laugh while he struggles to rinse off your face in the sink.
“Stop squirming,” he reminds, swiping a piece of hair away from your face.
“Your hands are cold.”
“Sorry.” He puts the back of his ice cold hand to your neck and hides his snicker when you start complaining. “Just one last thing.”
He looks so focused while he works some sort of serum into your skin and you can’t help but pinch his cheek. He smiles and pretends like he’s going to bite at your fingers.
“All done,” he says, patting your face one last time. You give him your best half-asleep smile. Your skin feels as refreshed as he always claims it makes him feel, and it warms when he presses a kiss to the apple of your cheek.
“Let’s go, please.” You flick off the light and watch in dismay as he reaches past you to turn it back on. He reaches for his toothbrush with a very pointed look.
“Dental hygiene is no joke,” he reprimands.
“How could I have forgotten?” you say flatly. You step behind him to wrap your arms around his waist. “Your winning smile is the agency’s most valuable possession.”
“Very true,” he says around his toothbrush. “How else are we supposed to get out of our next traffic violation?”
“Maybe you can whack the officer over the head like last time.”
Lockwood guffaws. “That was an accident—”
“—You can take your rapier and just—”
You imitate the sound of someone being knocked to the ground, and he squeezes one of your hands that are wrapped around his front.
He spits into the sink, his shoulders shaking with his laugh.
“Barnes was not happy about that.”
“Is he ever happy about anything?”
“Hm. No.”
He finally turns out the lights, and he drapes an arm around your shoulders.
“Thank you for coming with me tonight.” He leans down to press kisses along the crown of your head. “Don’t think I would’ve gotten through that conversation with Kipps if you weren’t there.”
You grin. He really enjoys taking a shot at Kipps whenever the opportunity arises. “Thank you for inviting me. The food wasn’t nearly as bad as it usually is.”
“Did you try the canapés? They were awfully good this time around. I think they got a new chef.” He swings his door open quietly so as to not disturb George and Lucy.
“Hm. I think so, too.” You watch as Lockwood shifts the collar of his shirt and add, “I was happy I got to see your new tie, too.”
“Thank you.” He gives you a bashful smile when you step closer to him to loosen it. It’s a gorgeous plum color, and had been recent gift from George. It matches the color of your dress. “You’re always so lovely.”
Lockwood sits down in the chair in the corner of his room and gestures for you. You feel your face warm when he unbuckles the strap of your shoes, quick and easy.
You wonder if there will ever be a time when you don’t get giddy at everything Lockwood does.
“I love you,” you say once he gets back up. “I didn’t think it was possible to be so happy.”
“I love you, too. I’m very glad I live in a day and age where I get to look at your face everyday.”
Lockwood doesn’t let you struggle through anything. He unzips the back of your dress for you and helps you into your pyjamas despite you telling him you can do it yourself.
When you’re both settled into bed, you give him enough thank you kisses to last a lifetime, and you tell him as such.
Lockwood gives you a grin that lights up his eyes, and you have a feeling you know exactly what he’s going to say before the words come out of his mouth.
“You know there’s no such thing as enough kisses from you.”
notes. is it crazy to say i got emotional writing this lol. i love him so much someone please justify me writing for him again
