𝓑𝓪𝓻𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓷𝓼
divider provided by @cafekitsune
🗡️ So we all know how Barley is typically a bit of a reckless driver, right? Well, when it comes to you, he’s noticeably more cautious. Once he had to slam on the brakes and threw his arm out in front of you, despite the fact you had a seatbelt on.
🗡️ He is always so encouraging, but also knows when sometimes you may be better off backing out. Sometimes you can’t make a bad day good and just need to quit. Either way, he’ll be there for you.
🗡️ Will sometimes make a scene if someone were to disrespect you, whether it be just calmly calling them out or chewing them out. He knows how it feels when those around you make you feel lesser, and he won’t stand for anyone giving you that kind of grief.
🗡️ The way he stares at you while you’re not looking. Just because you two are in an established relationship doesn’t mean he’ll stop doing it. On the contrary, in fact.
🗡️ Anxiety giving you a hard time? Never fear, your boyfriend (aka the optimistic voice of reason) is here to keep you grounded. (remember that scene where Ian almost fell into the bottomless pit and Barley helped him calm down? yeah, like that)
🗡️ He worries sometimes because he knows you’ve gotten way too good at keeping your issues locked up and hidden, but he won’t press because he wants you to talk about it on your own terms.
🗡️ This may sound cliche but idc at this point, Barley is the best hugger. We’ve seen how he uses his forearm musculature to restrain his mom and pick up his brother, so imagine how it would feel to have his arms wrapped around your middle, holding you close. One time he hugged you and your back popped.
🗡️ And speaking of his brother, it would mean so much to him if you made an effort to look out for Ian.
🗡️ Because he’s always so outspoken and lively, it hits a bit different when he talks soft and sweet to you.
🗡️ More than anything, Barley makes you feel seen and heard and never lets you forget your value. You’re never too much for him.
🗡️ Yes of course roughhousing is a regular thing. If he were being honest, he sometimes uses it as an excuse to hold you close. (despite not needing one)
🗡️ The first time you actually knocked him over, he felt himself fall even harder in love with you than he fell to the ground.
🗡️ According to Laurel, Barley has been known to run off sometimes, so I imagine that he’ll occasionally invite you out on little spontaneous roadtrips with him. Even if they’re just for the day.
🗡️ On said roadtrips, sometimes he’ll have you talk his ear off about whatever it is that you’re interested in to keep him from zoning out while driving. He likes hearing you yap.
🗡️ Sometimes he does need someone to lean on, especially when he opened up to you about his dad (especially his last memory of him) You needn’t really say very much, just hold him and be present.
🗡️ Barley is the boy who knows your favorite flower, your favorite song, your favorite sweet, and even if he can’t give them all to you, it doesn’t matter because he took the time to get to know you as no one else does.
🗡️ One of, if not his favorite thing about you, if how brightly your heart’s fire burns when you get excited about something. He can see it behind your eyes. It’s funny how the fire in your heart wound up stealing his.
🗡️ He’s holding that line in his back pocket for when he eventually pops the question.
