This one is mostly fluff but there’s some smutty bits in there too so, uh, consider this your warning.
The first time you saw Harvey without his glasses - really saw him - was the first time he spent the night at your place. He’d looked different as he came out of the bathroom. His gaze seemed younger, more open, and it took you a second to realize it was because his face was bare.
“Look at you without your glasses!” you’d said, opening your arms as he slipped into bed next to you.
“You’ll have to do the looking,” he said, relaxing in next to you and pressing his lips to your neck. “Can’t see a thing without them.”
He couldn’t, there was no doubt about that. Which was why it felt so rare to see them off. At bedtime, sure, that you could count on. They’d rest neatly on the table next to the bed. And yes, he’d take them off to shower, of course. But other than that? Seeing him without glasses felt like seeing a shooting star. Fast, rare, and vanishing.
Pushed up as he pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, a sure sign he was feeling stressed.
Whisked off his face for a quick clean with the tail of his tie, then back on his face as if they’d never been gone.
Held out in front of him after returning from a cold walk, the warmth of the farmhouse making them steam.
(pulled gently by your hands and set to the side as he held himself up over you on the couch, because of course you’d seen him without his glasses before he spent the night, of course he’d taken them off when gentle kisses and touches had transitioned into tongues and grasping hands, he’d had to take them off when they pressed against his forehead as his mouth worked between your legs, you’d needed them gone as you rode him so you could see the way his eyes fluttered shut, the way his brows squeezed together with each roll of your hips, when he didn’t need to see anymore because all that mattered was the feel of you around him and the way your voice sounded as you whispered his name)
They felt like yours, those moments when Harvey took off his glasses. He felt like yours, and there was nothing else to do when it happened but close your eyes and soak it all in.
Not to show my age, but i am thinking about fucking someone older than me. And thinking about how cute they are at their age. Looking up to millenial emo teens when I was a kid and all the alt people on the internet and now seeing us both as adults and I can witness my generational crush irl and its adorable. Cmere cutie tell me more about how you remember myspace and how you still like galaxy leggings.
With the over abundance of monsters cropping up in the mine. Marlon decides that it's time to bring in a capable monster hunter. What will Harvey do when the new strong woman in town needs a helping hand?
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Hey guys, I'm back at it again. Stardew Valley has to be one of my favorite games of all time. I don't even want to think about how many hours I've put into it.
Anywho, I've recently realized how much I love Harvey. It's always refreshing to find a male character that's allowed to be vulnerable. Though Stardew Valley is great at making well rounded characters. So I decided he needed a strong reserved woman to c one into the picture.
Rubbing a hand across his face, Marlon let out a heavy sigh. Gus glanced his way and couldn't help but feel sympathetic. The old adventurer really had put in the years taking out monsters. His face always had a shadow of weariness to it. Lately though, it seemed as if the man could barely keep his eyes open.
Bringing him over another mug of beer, he shook his head as the guild keeper reaches for his wallet. “No, this one's on the house.” The man's mouth creased into a frown. “If you really want to repay me, then why not tell me why you look exhausted.”
Laying his arms on the bar counter, he sagged a bit. “That obvious huh?” He wasn't surprised at the knowing look on the bar keeper's face. “The monsters have been more than a handful lately. In fact I've had to call in a reinforcement.” His hands tightened into fist at the admission. It was bad enough to know he was aging out of being an adventurer. Another thing all together to call in for some young blood.
Gus dropped his gaze to the glass he was cleaning. He understood why the man would be annoyed by bringing in help. He was thankful for Emily's help, don't get him wrong. But he could remember the days when he would run laps around any of his customers. There wasn't time to dwell on that though. It was time to comfort his good friend. And maybe get a bit of gossip on the new monster hunter heading to town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It wasn't long before word had gotten around the valley. Everyone was anticipating their arrival. Would they stay in town or the guild? What was their likes and dislikes? Were they hot? Not knowing that you were already in the valley. Spending nights in the mines and days resting. It wasn't as if you had time for socializing. You were here for a job, simple as that.
That was the plan at least, until Gil got involved. He made it his mission on this particular Friday to badger you out of the guild. “You're young, you should enjoy these years. Why if I had a nickel for every Friday I wish I had gone out, I'd be rich.” He scowled at you from the rocking chair. You knew the truth, that twinkle in his eye. The way his mouth couldn't quite stay down in the corners. He was goading you and having a great time while he was at it.
This continues for the next hour. How his voice can carry through the entire guild was an annoying mystery. Stomping over to the accursed rocking chair that he haunts, you all but snarl. “Will you give me a moment of peace if I go to the Saloon for an hour?” Your expression was more tired than angry. And he used it to his advantage.
“Make it two and I'll leave you alone. For now that is.” That was the best offer you were going to get. Huffing you begrudgingly made your way out. Only for his voice to ring out. “You're not going like that are you?”
Without a glance back you sprinted for the door. Trying to block out his high pitched cackles all the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You were going to kill Gil when you got back. These people meant well, at leasted they seemed to. But if you had one more damn drink bought for you, you were going to drown.
Your original plan to grab a beer and sulk in a shadowy corner was already taken. A guy in a patched blue jacket was less than pleased to see you invading his space. After a short introduction and a quicker screw off. You were thrown to the proverbial sharks. Without so much as a floaty in sight. Stuck in a bar stool and surrounded by curious locals was the last place you wanted to be.
The all to helpful waitress, you think her name was Emily. Smiled brightly as she refilled your mug. Your eyes narrowed at the drink, but you gripped the handle all the same. Promising yourself that you would sip this one.
“So you planning to stay around in the Valley? After you finish lending a hand to Marlon that is." She waited eagerly for your answer. With how the bar quieted down, it seemed that she wasn't the only one wanting to know your answer. It wasn't everyday that someone new came to Stardew. Especially someone that was so interesting. A true blue adventurer had come to help with the Monster issue. Who wouldn't be a bit curious about someone like that. Who was so soft, a plush body that covered some serious strength. It was something that was worth a fantasy or two.
You brought the glass to your lips to cover a wince. This seemed to be a question that followed adventurers around. Were you staying, if the answer was no there were always more. Where are you going? What are you doing there? Will you come back? It wasn't that you wanted to push everyone away. It was just for the best that people were kept at a distance. You didn't want to drag anyone into a life like this.
So you gave the same generic answer that got you a bit of peace. “I'm not sure yet. This is a great town though.” You relaxed as understanding smiles passed over the small crowd. Only to blink as the faces started to blur together. Looking up to the clock, you stared at the numbers as they merged. Glancing down at your empty mug, you couldn't help but glare. So much for sipping.
Harvey watched as you slid from your stool. He had seen the look on your face. He has seen it on Shane's many times before. It was always a sad time when the gruff man turned to the bottle rather than a friend.
He hadn't meant to stare at you throughout the night. But you were just so enchantingly different. Your soft and muscled form showing signs of your adventuring past. Scars here and there decorated your gorgeous body. And while you weren't the most talkative person. That didn't mean that the entire saloon wasn't hanging off of your every word. Including the doctor himself.
“Don't stop the good times on my account. But I've got a job to get back too. Need to be well rested and all.” Even as a few disappointed groans sounded out, no one could argue with you. It was important for you to help with the increased monster population. Making your way to the entrance, you focused on not stumbling. Which admittedly gave a odd step to your walk. Something that worried the doctor.
Looking down at his drink he couldn't help fretting over you. It was part of his job to keep the people in town healthy. Especially people who made a living doing such dangerous work. Honestly attractive people that he would love to get to know better.
Glancing down at his watch he was surprised to see that you had left only a short while ago. Well it wouldn't hurt to get some fresh air outside. And if he happened to come across you on say a walk towards the mountains. That wouldn't be so odd now would it. Summoning up his resolve, he left the Saloon. As he turned to head up past the General Store, he came to an abrupt stop. There you were, slupped under the bulletin board. You were holding your head and groaning. Rushing over, he kneeled down in front of you.
“(Y/N), are you ok?” He wanted to check you over. But scaring you was the last thing he needed. A frightened and drunk patient was a lot harder to deal with.
Head jerking up towards the voice, you moaned at how fast the world was spinning. It still didn't stop your hand from drifting to your belt. Until you realize that you had left your weapons at the guild. Which was a good thing. Sharp things and alcohol didn't mesh well together. Squeezing your hands around nothing, you sighed. Squinting up at the man in front if you, you tried to remember his name. He was the town's doctor, wasn't he? Yeah, did this mean you had injured yourself. Closing your eyes you did a quick inventory of your body. This was an important part of any adventurer’s training. Not feeling anything out of the ordinary, beyond the effects of the alcohol.
You looked back at the mustached man. He was pretty handsome. Seemed to take pride in his appearance, if not a bit dorky. But who were you to judge, you had enjoyed many sessions of Solarion Chronicles back in the day. Nodding your head, you winced immediately.
He steadied you and frowned. In the state you were in it would take a lot of effort to get you back to the guild. Chewing his lip he decided to take another chance. “It may not be the most comfortable option. But you're welcome to take one of the clinic beds for the night. No pressure of course.” He waited for your answer with baited breath.
Knowing that nodding would be a bad idea, you said. “I've had worse offers.” Placing a hand on the wall behind you, you braced yourself. Only to have shock corse through you. The doctor had placed his shoulder under your arm. Hoisting you up slowly and gently. Shooting an embarrassed smile in his direction, you made your way next door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your head was pounding before your eyes fluttered open. A queasy feeling lodged in the pit of your stomach. Even the blankets felt too heavy and scratchy upon you skin. It was a suffocating feeling, overwhelming and sickening. It took several moments before you could gather yourself enough to open your eyes.
Taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, you were on high alert. The room smelled sterile and held two beds. Blinding light blared from the ceiling. You blinked several times, trying to adjust to the brightness. Sitting up slowly, you could feel your stomach roll and churn. Bracing yourself, you held back from anything exiting your gut.
Flopping down on your back, you threw your arm over your eyes. Taking a moment to gather yourself. Only to jolt up as a door squeaked open.
“Oh good. I was hoping I wasn't going to wake you.” The man was just as put together as what little you recalled. Though the night before was a bit hazy, you weren't one to get black out. Under any circumstances, keeping your wits was top priority.
Wiping a hand down your face you tried to hold back a grimace. “Yeah. It would have been no problem if you had though. I've definitely inconvenienced you enough.” Slipping off the bed, you pulled yourself together the best you could. Not expecting the man to rush over to you. A worried expression flitting onto his face.
“Are you sure your well enough to go? You were quite out of it last night.” His worrying was equal part endearing and annoying. But that didn't stop him from hovering close to you. He would hate himself if you got hurt in his clinic.
“Nothing some water and aspirin won't fix.” Digging in you pockets you pulled out a beat up wallet. “What do I own you Doc?” You were surprised when he put his hand over your own. You forced yourself to ignore how much you enjoyed his warmth.
Shaking his head, he push your hand down gently. “I wouldn't dream of taking any kind of payment. Consider it neighbors helping each other out. And please just Harvey is fine.” He gave you such a sincere look that it made your heart leap into your throat.
Putting away your wallet, you decided that arguing with a hangover wasn't worth it. Though that didn’t mean that the attractive doctor was going get a favor from you. You weren't the type of person to leave debts unpaid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harvey wasn't sure how to feel as of late. He was hoping his kind gesture would make a good first impression. But it seemed to have the opposite effect. He had heard of your recent trips to town. While he hadn't seen even a glimpse of you. Not even at the Saloon. He could understand why you might avoid that location though. He didn't want to admit it, but your avoidance had been a blow to his self-esteem. Still he didn't give up hope that you might meet again. Even if was just for a more professional reason.
His downtrodden thoughts seeped away as the clinic door opened. It was time to get back to business. Waiting for a few moments, he started to wonder what could be keeping Maru. Looking through the window of the partition door, he froze. There you were, you were more dazzling than he remembered. It seemed that you had decided to dress more casually today. He couldn't help the way his eyes trailed down your form. Admiring the years of effort you put into your body.
You talked quietly with his nurse and patted a bag resting against your side. He would be more interested in the contents. If only he could rip his gaze from your face. Your soft smile warmed his insides. He could admire your enchanting features for hours. But as you nodded and squeezed the other woman's shoulder. He couldn't help feeling jealous. There wasn't much time to dwell on the rock in the pit of his stomach. Not with you walking his way. Darting towards his office, he tried to calm his racing heart.
Poking your head through the door, you looked around the room. Your eyes pinned him to his chairs as a grin settled on your face. “Hey Doc. You got a minute?”
Glancing at his schedule, he was glad for the moment to gather his thoughts. You were here, in his office, asking for him! Shuffling a few more papers, even though he knew he had no afternoon appointments. He nodded and turned towards you. “I have some spare time. What can I do for you.” His pulse may not be slowing. But he had at least managed to not make a fool of himself.
Stepping into the room, you leaned your hip against his desk. “Look, I know you said that I didn't owe you anything. That didn't sit right with me though. I like to know every debt I have is taken care of. So I asked around.” Pulling a bottle from your bag, you gingerly set it in front of him. “When I heard that you enjoy wine, I knew just the thing.”
He picked up the bottle and couldn't help the smile that took over his features. The label was hand drawn and had well thought out penmanship. It was a bit stain, that only added to the charm to him. He set it down gently and faced you. “This is to much, I can't accept.”
Your face dropped. Scrambling to point out the flaws on the bottle, you said. “No look, the label isn't even on straight. And uh, you can see where I spilled coffee on it too. Plus Gil had to help me brew it. So I didn't even do all of the work. It was the least he could do after all.” Your face flushes a bit as you focused back on the doctor. “Although I guess not everything about that night was bad.”
He took in your ernest expression and the blush crawling across your plump cheeks. While on the one hand it didn't feel right taking such a splendid gift from you. On the other he didn't want to offend you by not taking it. It wasn't that he was ungrateful. But you had asked about his interests and made him something special. Something that you could enjoy yourself, not give to someone you barely knew. This thought sparked a sudden idea. One that he couldn't stop himself from blurting out. “I would enjoy it more in your company.” He watched as the flush traveled down your neck. A look of confusion settled on your face.
“Are you asking me out?” You tried to hide your incredulous tone. It's not that he hadn't been on your mind. That this wasn't the first bottle you made. Deeming the first one as not good enough. As you take in his own appearance. Between his put together yet dorky clothes. The way he puts effort into grooming himself. Pair with his kind and caring ways. You believed you could look past your don't get to close policy.
It was his turn to become flustered. But as he tried to stutter out a friendly response, he had to be honest with himself. You were someone he wanted to spend more time with. And there was a part of him that hoped it could be romantic. Though he would settle for platonic if you prefered it. Gathering his nerve he nodded. “I am…. If your OK with that.”
Stepping forward, you placed a hand on his chest and grinned. “I think I'll take you up on that. I have the rest of the day off. If you're free that is.” You were happy that your feelings weren't one side. Why not make the most of your time here.
Your hand resting against him caused a warmth to travel over him, settling in the tips of his ears. “Yyyeah, of course. I don't have anymore patients this afternoon. I'm sure Maru wouldn't mind ending the work day a bit early.” Poking his head through the partition he was surprised to see her packing things away.
Turning towards him she smiled. “All packed up boss, I'll see you tomorrow.” She started for the door, pausing as he called out.
“How did you know?” He fumbled with his words.
Her smile widened. “Well, after she asked about you. Let's just say I had a feeling. Enjoy your date.” She closed the door and he heard the click of the lock.
His thoughts whirled as he realized that she must have heard. Still there were very few things that could take away from the excited thrum coursing through him. Making his way back to the office, he couldn't help the extra pep in his step. Seeing your face perk up as he returned cemented his descion to go with his instincts. Leading you up to his home, he knew this would be a risk worth taking.
||Stardew Valley Harvey x Reader Fluff
||A cuddle was a good gift for Harvey's birthday
You woke up first, silently thanking your body clock for waking you up early. You turned to Harvey, seeing his eyes still peacefully closed. His nose twitched as he snored lightly.
You laughed. You couldn’t help yourself. It was too nice, too wonderful, for him to be here with you like this. To be so relaxed, sleeping in your bed, and without a care in the world. You leaned forward to kiss him.
He stirred, sighing contentedly, and a small smile grew on his lips. He reached out to you, grabbing your hand and squeezing it gently.
He opened his eyes, still looking very sleepy. “Good morning…”
“Good morning, love.” You returned, and you reached up to comb your hand through his very nice, very fluffy hair. You pressed a kiss on his forehead. “And happy birthday.”
He blinked, looking a little lost as he processed your words. He laughed softly, his cheeks turning the tiniest bit pink. “You remembered.”
“I did. I have, and always will.” You grinned. “So, what would you like to do? Should we eat out? Do you want to watch a movie?”
He hummed, closing his eyes, and you wondered, amusedly, if he would fall asleep again.
“Do you want coffee? Some breakfast?” You continued soothingly, rubbing your thumb over his hand. “I could cook some of those sausages I made recently. It would pair well with the cheese and wine.”
He hummed again, much more softly this time, and you thought he really was going to fall asleep.
But then, his stomach rumbled.
You stifled a laugh as he gave a wry smile.
“Quiet, you…” He mumbled, patting his own stomach.
Without answering any of your questions, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you against his chest. He buried his face in your hair, sighing peacefully.
“I…” His voice was so soft. “I would like a cuddle please.”
You smiled, and snuggled in closer to him. Well, you supposed you could give him his gifts later.
Requested by Anon - Hi! I totally loved your Harvey × Reader fanfictions and I just wanted to request another if you want to write it. I was thinking about the Reader and Harvey having a secret relationship at work because they're colleagues, but you can do whatever you want! Thank you and have a nice day.
Characters – Harvey x Reader, Donna
Word Count – 573
-
You sighed as you picked up the bundles of paper work and moved them to one arm, as you walked to the glass door of your office before opening it and entering the busy hallway. Making your way along, holding yourself tall, everyone moved out your way and watched where you were going. When you arrived at the other end of the hallway, you meet the red headed receptionist that had grown to be your friend.
‘Is Harvey in?’ You asked her not looking up from the paper work.
‘Why Hello, there Y/N. Yes, I’m fine, thank you for asking.’ She replied sarcastically, you raised your head and leaned against the counter.
‘So sorry my highness.’ You replied back, as you bowed slightly, and she smiled widely.
‘We need to have a talk a lunch time.’ She told you, pointing at you before turning to her computer.
‘Okay, but is Harvey in. I need him to sign these.’ You said motioning to the paper.
‘Sure.’ She said, waving you in. You chuckled as you walked away from her and pushed open his door.
‘Harvey.’ You said before you dumped the papers onto the table. You turned around and saw him standing at his window looking out, raising a glass of whiskey.
‘Everything okay?’ You asked him, as you leant against the desk.
‘Yup. You free tonight?’ He asked you, you nodded as you walked over to him.
‘Yeah, hopefully finishing here tonight at 6 and no later.’ You said as you stood beside him watching the city move below you.
‘You’re busy from then on.’ He told you, taking another sip of his drink.
‘Oh am I?’ You questioned him, he looked at you and nodded, giving you a small smirk.
‘Well I’ll see you then.’ You told him, as you walked away, heading towards the door, you opened the door before turning to him.
‘The papers need signed before 5 tonight.’ You told him as you stepped out and shut the door behind you.
-
‘What did you want to talk to me about?’ You asked her as you sat down at the table, Donna taking the seat across from you.
‘How long have you and Harvey been seeing each other?’ She quizzed you, you tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t.
‘What makes you say that?’ You questioned her.
‘Oh come one. You always ‘meet’ each other outside the front, plus he always brings you coffee, he never brings me coffee.’ She told you and you chuckled.
‘So because he brings me coffee, you think that we’re dating?’ You quizzed her, she stopped for a second before nodding, pointing her fork at you.
‘That and also the lingering looks he gives you, he can’t seem to control himself around you. You on the other hand can keep it together.’ She informed you, you shook your head and took a sip of your drink.
‘You know you can’t hide it forever.’ She stated, you shook your head takin a sip of your drink.
‘We aren’t.’ You told her. She looked at you with a raised eyebrow.
‘We just don’t want the clients and employees to think that we are going to affect the work we’re doing.’ You told her, she smiled and nodded.
‘Well, as long as you’re both happy.’ She stated.
‘We are.’ You told her, she nodded before you both took a bite of your meals and changed the topic.
Harvey was a giver. It was as integral to his personality as his gentleness, his intelligence, and his love of planes.
So of course it set the tone for the way the two of your interacted. He was always a step ahead of you, anticipating your needs, doing his best to smooth away friction between you and the world. A door opened before you reached it. A pot of coffee brewed before you went out into the field. An attentive ear no matter how frivolous your words may have been.
Harvey always put your first.
And yeah, duh, it absolutely came up in bed. When he said “let me take care of you,” he meant it, backed it up with fingers and tongue for as long as you could stand it. He needed it, you knew, the way he could make you sigh and shake, could prove his worth to you again and again.
But you were a giver too, at least when it came to him. Sometimes that meant bullying him a little, making him relax, or at least stay still for a moment or two. Backing him up against a wall, dropping to your knees, undoing his button, unzipping his pants. Taking him in your hand, then between your lips. Nice and slow. Nice and deep.
He’d press his hands down, on the bed, on the wall behind him. You knew it was to keep himself from holding onto your head. He wanted to push deeper into you, to hear the way you sounded when he was in the back of your mouth. But he couldn’t, because that felt too much like taking and Harvey was a person who gave.
So you’d do it for him. You’d interlace your fingers with his, guide him to your hair, try to tell him through groans and suction, movement and depth that you wanted to give too. That he was deserving of the same consideration with which he moved through the world, and that the peace and pleasure he found when he gave could also come from being the one who received.
And he’d hear it, for a moment, as his hips would tighten and hitch, as he’d flood your mouth and pulse into the back of your throat. He’d trace his fingertips over your face, after, thank you all breathless and sincere. He didn’t need to, though, because it was him. Because when you were with Harvey, giving always felt like getting something far better in return.
i would absolutely love any of the stardew men x sub!f!farmer who goes into subspace
your writing is so amazing! 🫶
Anon, I am having the shittiest day, and this exactly the kind of thing I need to distract myself.
I went with Harvey, but if anyone wants me to take a swing at other characters just drop an ask.
Your mind never stopped. Always going. Always ticking. Always questioning and replaying and scouting ahead for anything that could ever go wrong and it just never ever stopped.
Never.
Unless Harvey’s hands were on you.
“Focus on me,” he’d whisper. His voice was never rough, never demanding, never mean. It simply was - clear, controlled, and expectant.
You’d focus. Focus on how the cuffs around your wrists felt. Focus on the way the mattress gave way beneath your belly as you shifted. Focus on what you might look like to him, naked on your stomach across his bed. Focus on -
“Focus.”
Focus on Harvey’s palms as they stroked their way up the back of your legs. A firm, steady caress up your thighs and down again. Massaging, soothing, sending warm curls of pleasure through your body.
“Focus.”
He’d pull away. You’d grieve the absence, but only for a moment. Because he’d soon be back, cracking his palm down on your rear. Three times, three blossoms of heat racing through you, reverberating through your stomach and throat to settle in the base of your skull.
“Shshshsh,” he’d soothe, running the backs of his knuckles over the skin he’d struck. Even when imparting pain, his instinct to comfort was inexorable. “You’re doing so well. You’re being so good for me. Just focus on my hands.”
You’d focus. You’d focus. Focus on how he’d grip at the flesh at your upper thigh. Squeezing. Kneading. Enjoying the small sounds you’d make into the mattress. You’d focus on the warmth of him, the weight, the sound of his breathing, the way his hand kept stroking up and down, up and down, up and down.
Then again, that cracking pain. A harder impact this time. It hurt, but somewhere between the place where you received the pain and the place where it was understood it changed. Still full of heat, yes, but now it scorched away the thoughts you didn’t need. Your life, your worries, your responsibilities, your failures… they all started to slip away.
All you could do without them was melt. Melt into Harvey’s hands as they alternated between striking and soothing. Melt into his voice as he dropped quiet words of praise in your ear. Melt into the feel of him, moving above you, around you, inside of you, close and consuming and blocking out the endless onslaught of your mind.
For a few shining moments, he was all you had the capacity to experience.
He’d hold you afterwards, all warm and safe inside a blanket. Gather you up, give you a space to rest while your mind pulled itself back together. “Enjoy it,” he’d murmur, kissing your temple as he pulled you in close. You’d focus on it, the way his voice sounded, the exquisite gentleness of his lips on your skin. For a while it would all be quiet. For a while Harvey was the only thing your mind could know.
You’d caught him red-handed. Well, more like briney-fingered.
2am. You’d woken to Harvey’s side of the bed empty. Not an uncommon occurrence, so you knew where to find him. And yup, there he was, in the kitchen in his t-shirt and boxers. The cool light of the refrigerator cast him in silhouette, his long legs tensed as he bent to reach the back of the shelf.
You watched from the bedroom doorway as he completed his ritual. A ring lid unscrewed. Thumb and forefinger precise as he pulled out a spear. A quick shake over the jar - even in his midnight snacking, Harvey was nothing less than fastidious. A crunch. A sigh. A smile.
He’d eat a few pickles there, leaning against the counter, before screwing the lid back on and sucking a drop of brine off his thumb. You’d sneak back to bed before he closed the fridge, open your arms to him as he slipped between the sheets.
You’d asked him once why he did it, why he liked the pickles so much, why he always wanted them at night. He seemed to struggle to find an answer. “Because you make them for me,” he finally said with a shrug and a self-conscious smile.
But that was all the answer you needed. It was simple and it was true. In the hours when dreams morphed to memories, when shame reared up all dark and unrelenting, what Harvey reached for was the bracing reminder that he was wanted and the undeniable evidence that he was loved.
