A/N: This is my submission @the-slumberparty‘s Week 2 Writing Challenge: Blast From The Past. I know I promised to write an epilogue to this in 2020, and I actually started to write this a year ago, but I hated every version of this that I’d written. I just want to say thanks to @navybrat817 and @darkficsyouneveraskedfor for hosting these challenges and giving me a reason to kick myself in the arse and get myself motivated to get this finished. Maybe one day I will revisit these idiots, but I’m not going to promise anything.
Warnings: All the fluff, brief mention of childbirth but nothing graphic
Word count: 568
Moodboard by @imanuglywombat
Once Upon a Time in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, Colin Shea had forgotten why he didn't like hospitals. Maybe it was something to do with cold, bright lights, or the smell... To be honest, he didn't really care any more; what he had witnessed just hours before was pure magic, and he was sure he was going to be in awe of you for the rest of his life. A small part of him wanted to stay with you in the small cocoon of your hospital room forever, but he couldn't wait to get home and begin his new role, raising his son.
The labour had been long and arduous. Unsurprisingly, Colin had been by your side for the entire thing, his support unflinching. When the midwife placed the small, mucus-covered human onto your chest and the baby started bellowing, he didn't think it was this possible to be this happy.
Colin was reluctantly making his way back to the car to fetch your phone charger. Squinting as he stepped into the early morning sunlight, Colin tried to remember how long he had been in that hospital room for. The last couple of days had been like a particularly vivid fever dream, that felt like an eternity and just a few seconds at the same time. Pausing to take in his surroundings, he wondered if the birds in the sky and the nurses making their way home from the night shift knew that the world had changed irreversibly overnight.
-
Rentering the building charger in hand, Colin decided to forgo his morning coffee until he was certain that you and the baby had settled. However, as he strode past the gift shop, something green and fuzzy caught his eye that immediately stopped him in is tracks.
When Colin went into the gift shop and took a further look at the chartreuse creature, he smirked in recognition. Picking up the inanimate amphibian, and looking into it's large yellow eyes, Colin knew that it was coming home with him. He could just imagine the look on your face when he presented you with the cuddly toy, but Colin couldn't think of a more appropriate first buddy for his child.
Sure, despite the inside jokes of frogs, princes and jesters; your relationship was nothing like the pile of fairytale books that was sitting in the nursery. There were definitely some communication issues that needed to be straightened out, especially when you decided to be cohabiters, not neighbours; but the pair of you were now stronger than ever in your new home in North End.
As Colin reached the till, and reached into his pocket for his wallet, his fingers brushed against the velvet box that he had kept on him since he had made a sneaky visit to the jewellery store a few weeks ago. He was not planning on getting down on one knee just yet, but after the way he had found out about the pregnancy, he was too scared to try and hide it at home.
Colin wondered what would happen if he could go back in time to tell his smug past self about how you would quickly become the love of his life, and how he would become a father. While commitment and fatherhood were truly an unexpected gain of the friends with benefits arrangement, he wouldn't have changed any of it for the world.
Summary: While spending time with his family, Chris realizes that it's the perfect time to put his 'plan' into action.
Warnings: Fluff, fluff and more fluff.
Word Count: 1028
It had been a long time since Chris had felt like this. The mix of nerves, excitement and adrenalin had the potential to put his heart rate into overdrive; but, he had never felt so certain in a choice in his life, and once he had made the decision he had never felt so at ease. Still, he actually had to follow through on it.
When the few people he had confided in asked him what his plan of attack was, he just shrugged. The truth was that he had spent hours agonizing over every little detail. But, every where, when and how just didn't seem to be right. He was waiting for the mystical perfect moment, and hoped that everything would just fall into place once the time came.
-
It was a warm summer evening, and all of Chris' family were over at your joint home for a barbecue. Food devoured, Chris was finally able to relax, especially as his niece and nephews had turned their attention away from him and onto you. Nursing a beer, he was in deep conversation with his brother when a delighted squeal cut through the cool breeze.
Turning towards the source of the noise, he couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face. There the three kiddos were giggling as they seemed to run away from you. Chris couldn't hear what you'd said to them, but he could see that you were also laughing as you chased them, Dodger barking playfully beside you. Chris had always adored how good you were with the kids, and seeing you act so naturally with them had fed his own dreams of having children of his own. But, you were both in agreement that that dream would have to wait for at least for another year. As if you could feel his gaze, you spun round and your eyes met his, giving a mock salute before turned your attention back to the children.
Whenever Chris would retell this story, he would never be able to fully explain what had happened next. If he wasn't already sat down, he was sure that he would've been knocked over by the wave of serenity that had washed over him. At that moment, there was only one thought that occupied his mind. It was if an ethereal being had crept up behind him, placed their hands on his shoulders and whispered in his ear.
This is the perfect moment, do it now.
“Earth to Chris! Are you still there?”
As Scott snapped Chris out of his daydream, the calmness was soon replaced by a moment of panic. He realized that when he decided to depend on spontaneity, he hadn't figured out what he was going to do or say without coming across unnatural.
Then, out the corner of his eye, Chris spotted his eldest nephew breaking away from the group and make his way back to the table to grab a drink. As the boy chugged down his soda, an idea formed in Chris' mind. Grabbing a clean napkin and borrowing a pen from his sister, he scribbled down his short, but succinct message while the rest of the family watched in bemusement. As Ethan turned to return to you and his siblings, Chris reached out to his nephew.
“Hey Ethan, can you give this to Y/N, it's really important that she reads it.”
“What is it?” Ethan asked, curiously unfolding the napkin.
“None of your business nosey!” Chris said jokingly, placing his hand over Ethan's to stop him ruining the surprise. Ethan ran back towards the group shouting your name, and Chris' heart was in his mouth. He had well and truly passed the point of no return, and all he could do was hope that you would be charmed by his school boy method. He was so engrossed in watching Ethan, he didn't hear the rest of his family ask what was going on. After what felt like forever, Ethan had caught up to you. Time slowed down as Chris watched you take the napkin from the child's hand and unfold it. As you read the message, your eyeballs seemed to bulge from your head. You looked towards Chris again, and a cheeky grin spread across your face as you bent down to reach Ethan's level. You didn't break eye contact as you whispered into the young boy's ear. As you stood back up, Ethan had turned and started back towards the other adults joined by his siblings, as if they knew something big was happening. One thing was certain, Chris was sure that he couldn't take the self-inflicted suspense any longer.
Ethan and company soon reached the table, and before Chris realized what he was doing he was knelt in front of them, his very being dependent on what was about to come out of the boy's mouth.
“She said only if you ask her properly.”
Chris looked turned to look at you again. Standing with your hands on your hips, you had not moved a muscle since you'd sent the kids his way. Without thinking, he launched himself on his feet and bounded towards you. He was so hyper-focused on you that he didn't know if anyone had tried to follow him, but he didn't care. Chris took in the sight that was before him. Your expectant smirk had turned into a full-blown smile, which was more radiant than the sunset behind you. Slowing to stop, Chris resisted the urge to scoop you up into his arms. The panic he had felt just a few minutes ago had dissipated, and Chris once again felt the serenity surge through him.
“So a little bird told me that you had something to ask.” You said, trying your best to suppress your excitement.
“I do.” Chris replied as he watched you intently tilt your head to one side. Falling onto one knee, Chris reached into his pocket, and pulled out the small, velvet box that seemed to weigh him down more than any dumbbell that he had lifted.
“Y/N, from the moment I met you, I knew that you were the one for me...”
Summary: Jensen returns home from a night out on the town with The Losers, and makes an interesting choice...
Warnings: One swear word, drunken idiocy, fluff.
Word Count: 967
BANG!
You jolted awake, almost certain that someone had kicked the door down. Sitting up, you looked at your phone. 3 AM. You listened for the source of the noise as you recounted what your boyfriend had told you to do if someone broke in when he wasn't around, muttering the steps beneath your breath.
“Ssh!” You heard a familiar voice say, not realising how loud he was being. “You'll wake everyone up and they'll be grumpy!”
Sighing with relief, you relaxed. Of course it was your boyfriend Jensen. He always ended up pretty sloshed after a night out with his teammates, and when he was drunk he was more of a liability than a herd of cattle in a china shop. Turning on your bedside lamp, you listened out as Jensen stumbled through the house, making his way to your shared bedroom. The door creaked as Jenson opened it slowly, poking his head thorough the doorway. As he made eye contact with you, he looked at you sheepishly as if he was a toddler that had done something wrong.
“Did I make you grumpy?” Jensen quietly asked, doing his best not to slur his words.
“No, I'm not grumpy at all,” you said, in fact you couldn't hide your amusement. Drunk Jake was always a hilarious occurrence.
“Good,” Jake said as he plodded into the room, taking his glasses off and throwing them onto the floor.
You couldn't help but stare at Jensen as he tore his clothes from his body. After all this time, he still took your breath away. Even in the low light he looked glorious, and you took in his lean muscular body that looked as if it had been carved from marble as he clumsily chucked his clothes every which way. Soon he was stood before you stark bollock naked with a perplexed look on his face, as if he was trying to hack into a government mainframe.
“So, are you getting into bed or what?” You asked, patting Jensen's side of the bed.
“Erm…” Jensen started. “I'm sorry Miss... I mean, you're really pretty and all. But, my girl is the most beautiful, most wonderful woman in the whole world and I would never do anything that would hurt her.”
You couldn't figure out if you were meant to be flattered or insulted by Jensen's statement. But before you had chance to say anything back, Jensen had laid down on the floor and fallen asleep. You jumped out of bed and prodded his shoulder with your foot, but his only response was a loud snore. Kneeling down, you tried to shake him awake, but it was no use, Jake Jensen was dead to the world. There was no way you would be able to carry that hunk of muscle into the bed without injuring at least one of you; and even if one of his fellow Losers was awake and sober enough to come and help you, you knew that Jensen would never live it down.
Pushing yourself back onto your feet, you retreated from the bedroom to grab what you needed. Upon your return, you covered Jensen with a blanket and you did your best to squeeze a pillow beneath his head. Finally, you put his glasses, phone as well as a glass of water and painkillers somewhere where he could see them, but also where they couldn't be knocked over. Climbing back into bed, you had to suppress the giggles that had formed as you thought about what fun you were going to have with Jensen in the morning.
-
Jensen was woken up by a beam of sunlight shining into his eyes. As he slowly sat up, he tried to figure out where on Earth he could be. It didn't help that the room was spinning. Spying the round frames of his spectacles, he reached out and put them on while he tried to get his bearings. He quickly realised that he had been sleeping on the floor of his own bedroom. Before he could think too hard about why he had slept on the floor, he was hit with a wave of nausea and his head began pounding. He reached for the glass of water and painkillers and figured that you must have left them there.
Jensen slowly stood up on his feet and made his way to the kitchen, grabbing some PJ bottoms from the chest of drawers. As he got closer to the kitchen he was met with the aroma of bacon and fresh bread and Jensen thanked his lucky stars. How did he get so lucky as to have someone as caring and considerate as his girl? As he entered, you had your back to him, placing rashers of bacon between thick buttered slices of crusty bread. You must've sensed him as you quickly turned to him and offered a small, sweet, sympathetic smile.
“How's your head?” you asked.
“It feels like The Petunias have been using it for soccer practice,” said Jake as he sat down at the breakfast bar with a groan. “Thanks for leaving out the water.”
“No problem,” You said as you put the plate as well as a large mug full to the brim with tea in front of him, a smirk forming on your face. “Now eat your bacon and then you're gonna tell me about this beautiful, wonderful girl of yours.”
Jensen gave you a confused look as you watched the gears in his head turn behind his glasses. Sitting on the stool beside him, you couldn't contain your laughter when Jensen gasped as the memories of the night before came flooding back. His face was soon crimson and he buried his face in his hands, cursing under his breath, swearing that he would never drink again.
This is my entry for @the-slumberparty‘s week two creator event: Outside the Box. I got a hairbrush as my item, which made me think of my drabble Practise Makes Perfect (yes, I realise that I have long-haired Chris on the brain! 😂)
The Cevans edit is from the spectacular @rainbowkisses31
A/N: So in typical me fashion, the first time I write for Colin for around a year, and it isn’t for AUG! 🤣 (Don’t worry, there will be an epilogue one day - I want to finish my half-written fics and get on top of my entries for writing challenges first.) But, it was so much fun to write for Colin again. And look - I made a mood board on Canva! I feel like a proper fanfiction writer now! 😄😂
Summary: Coffee shop AU. Colin doesn’t usually frequent this coffee shop, but he can’t help but notice that you have an attribute that he can’t get enough of.
Warnings: One bad language word, one sexual reference and a bit of a glasses kink (if that’s a thing) if you squint.
Word count: 1472
It is a truth universally known that 90s teen movies are wrong when it comes to girls in glasses. No, we all know that no one looks like a completely different person sans spectacles. It's the implication that people who wear glasses cannot be hot.
Colin wouldn't describe himself as a fussy man, especially when it came down to the fairer sex. His friends would jokingly say that his type was anything with a pulse, and while he would argue that it was a bit of an exaggeration, it was no lie that he was a big fan of the female form no matter what shape or size she came in. And if they were a fan of Colin's smooth charm and sexy confidence? Even better.
Despite not having preferences, there was something that Colin dug more than anything. It wasn't something that he had ever told anybody about, but for almost as long as he could remember a girl in glasses drove him wild.
It started with Sally Henderson in third grade. Colin couldn't be sure if it was just the glasses, but the way the round, pale pink frames with blue speckles sat on rosy, freckled cheeks made her the most beautiful girl in the world to his eight-year-old mind. As all first crushes are, it was all consuming, made up of not-so-sublte glances, chat-up lines taken from after school specials and red tinged tips of ears. Eventually, it came to a head with a wedding ceremony performed by Eddie Vogel beneath the monkey bars. It wasn't Colin's first choice for a venue, but the school yard had limited options.
As is the case with these things, feelings fizzled out as quickly as they came, but Colin's preference for glasses stayed. He would never be able to tell if the thing existed before Sally, or because of her. One thing he does know is that a part of him would always be a little bit disappointed that she ended up getting laser eye surgery. He wondered if that would count as reasonable grounds for divorce, but a marriage that was consummated by eating haribo rings off each other's fingers probably wasn't legally binding.
-
Colin didn't intend on stumbling into that coffee shop on that bright Tuesday morning, but he needed somewhere with decent Wi-Fi, so he could research recording studios. As much as he loved his local 24-hour diner, he didn't fancy standing on a particular table waving his arm about to try and get a sliver of signal. His band was just starting to gain traction locally, and they needed a decent EP to have any chance of meeting with any labels. Also, a decent coffee might've been the perfect antidote for the slight hangover that was stomping about Colin's mind.
The coffee shop was light and airy. Exposed brick and wooden beams made the place hip and trendy, but the pump velvet couches and armchairs gave off a cosy vibe. Looking at the blackboard, Colin gave a sigh of relief as he realized that the coffee shop wasn't 'too cool'. Colin may have been a musician, but he couldn't stand the pretentious hipster-type places. After picking up his order, he manoeuvred through the velvet maze trying to find a free table when his eyes were drawn to thick, plastic tortoiseshell.
Colin did a double take to find you sitting at a table to yourself, eyes trained on your laptop as you typed furiously, only pausing to take a sip of your tea; the steaming pot sat to your left indicated that you were intending to stay for a while. Colin strategically seated himself at a nearby table that kept you in his eyeline, he watched you like a hawk while he ate. As your eyes stayed glued to your screen, Colin wondered if you knew how adorable the faces you pulled as you concentrated were. The tip of your tongue peeking out between your lips as it glided from one corner of your mouth to the other, the way you scrunched your nose causing your glasses to shift. Oh. The glasses. The glasses perfectly accentuated your radiant beauty. But then, as if you'd read his mind, your left hand left the keyboard, subconsciously you used your index finger to push your glasses back up your nose. Colin Shea was officially a goner.
As if you'd felt Colin's glare, you glanced up and turned to Colin's direction. Colin became so flustered as he hurriedly picked up his phone, that he almost dropped it into his coffee mug. He quickly turned away from you, hoping that you hadn't noticed him staring; so quick that he didn't notice the smirk that was painted on your face, or that you'd adjusted your glasses again as your eyes took in the view before you.
Soon enough, both you and Colin were engrossed in your work. As time ticked by, mugs were refilled to the soundtrack of the tap tap of keyboards. Colin was making good progress with his research, and had written down the details of a few studios ready to discuss with the rest of the band at their next rehearsal Deciding to reward himself with more caffeine, he made his way to the counter. With his back turned, he didn't notice you finish up and start to pack your laptop away until he had picked up his order and started to head back to his table, where he couldn't keep his eyes off you. He was so transfixed by you that he wasn't paying attention to where he was going. Walking into a chair, Colin dropped his mug, spilling hot coffee down himself.
“Argh! Shit!” he yelled, his face scrunched in pain.
Before he knew it, Colin felt something dabbing at his chest. Tentatively opening his eyes, all he could see was you, wad of napkins in hand trying your best to clean him up. God, you were so much more beautiful up close. Breath knocked out of him, he was frozen in place as he watched you take care of him. After a few seconds you felt Colin's gaze burning your skin and your eyes met with his. A shy awkwardness enveloped you both as you realized how close up and personal you were, despite never saying a word to each other before.
“Erm… Are you okay?” you muttered, trying to break the ice.
“Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for coming to my rescue,” Colin said, trying to sound suave. But, a brainwave hit the pair of you at the same time as you both nervously looked down to find your hand resting on Colin's... chest.
You recoiled as if you had been the one burnt by the hot liquid as Colin felt heat rush to his cheeks. Not knowing what to do with yourself, you spotted Colin's mug on the floor and kneeled down to retrieve it. In Colin's mind there was nothing worse that you could do, as he had to remind himself that you were in a public space. As you grabbed the mug, you looked up and made eye contact with Colin again. There, the image of you knelt before him, eyes looking over the rim of your glasses was permanently etched onto Colin's mind, and he instantly knew that that image would be the source of many cold showers. Pushing the thought to onside, Colin offered his hand to you as he helped you to your feet. Not knowing what to say, you both shuffled on the spot. Colin decided that this was his chance to strike.
“Do you want to go and have a drink with me?-”
“Can I get you another coffee?-” Both you and Colin said in unison, before bursting into laughter.
Looking Colin up and down, you considered his offer. You didn't know this handsome stranger's name, but every fibre of your being was screaming at you to accept his invitation. Smirking, you looked into his ocean blue eyes.
“Okay, that sounds good, but on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“You wear a t-shirt that isn't coffee stained.”
Colin snorted as he tried to stifle a laugh, causing butterflies to erupt.
“I'll see what I can do.” Colin replied flirtatiously, “And I'll take that coffee on one condition, you keep those glasses on at all times.”
You were slightly taken aback, by Colin's proposition. No one had ever taken such an interest in your glasses, however this was gonna go down, this was going to be fun.
“Sure,” you said trying to sound as confident as possible, you stretched your arm out to offer a handshake. “I'm Y/N, by the way.”
Colin grabbed your hand and gave you a firm handshake.
“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Y/N, I'm Colin.”
A/N: Happy belated Valentine's everyone! My present to you all is my first fic in God knows how long! This is my entry for @sweater-daddiesdumbdork and @sagechanoafterdark ‘s Winter/Holiday Challenge. My prompt was “Do you wanna build a sno-” “Don’t you dare finish that” as well as a picture prompt that's in the main body of the story.
Summary: You wake up on Valentine's to find it's snowed overnight. Luckily you and Chris didn't have any plans anyway.
Warnings: Swearing, a slight sexual reference if you squint.
Word count: 887
Well, it was a good job you didn't have any big plans for Valentine's Day!
With Chris' job taking him to all corners of the globe, it meant that you didn't always get to spend important days like anniversaries and Valentine's together. If you were lucky enough to be together, the day would be spent watching movies, which would usually end up with pizza in bed or if you were feeling particularly adventurous, an all day breakfast at a 24-hour diner. It might seem that you barely bother on the outside, but time spent together, alone away from prying eyes was heavenly. The pair of you had been to so many swanky parties and red carpet events that, staying home in your comfies was always a novelty. Besides, there is nothing more treasured in a life less than ordinary than a small slice of normality after all.
But when you awoke that cold February morning to let Dodger out, you were glad that you hadn't made any concrete plans. Overnight, the sky had deposited a thick blanket of snow that had spread as far as the eye could see. You pulled open the French windows and felt a rush of cold air brush your bare legs as Dodger slipped outside. Making your way to the kitchen, you noticed Chris' blue velvet jacket thrown on the bench in the hallway. Hearing Dodger bark in delight, you hoped that he didn't wake Chris up, you were already asleep when he returned from the charity Valentine's ball the night before. As one of the charity's ambassadors, Chris felt compelled to stay until the end and help with clean up. You would've stayed too, but knowing that you had such a busy week at work Chris insisted that you needed to get to bed, and you were far too tired to argue.
Padding back to the bedroom, hot drinks in hand you heard the French windows open and close again as a low, gruff Bostonian accent greeted the much adored pup. The bedroom door was just open enough to see that he had his back to you. The fact that he was clad in just his boxers meant he had literally just dragged himself out of bed.
“Did you have fun in the snow bubba?” Chris cooed, kneeling down to Dodger's level to scratch him behind the ears. Reaching the doorway, you recognized the look on Dodger's face.
“Chris, you might want to-”
“Fahk!” Chris shrieked, scrambling to move out of the firing line as Dodger shook himself dry. Giggling you lent on the door frame and watched as he picked up a discarded T-shirt off the floor, using it to dry himself. As he threw the plain white tee back onto the floor, you decided to get his attention gently kicking the door to that all too familiar rhythm.
“Do you wanna build a sno-”
“Don’t you dare finish that!” Chris joked as he turned around to face you. “The last time you said that, you ended up shoving snow in my ass!”
You started laughing as you remembered the Evans' annual Christmas snowball fight a few weeks prior; as Scott's second in command you led an ambush to the rear of Team Chris' base, and well, it wasn't your fault a piece of snow became lodged between the perfect cheeks of America's Ass.
“You and I both know that's not how it went down,” you retorted, “and I don't remember you complaining when I warmed you back up that evening.”
Chris chuckled at the memory. “You know, I could use some warming up right now,” he said suggestively.
“Luckily I've got just the thing,” you said lifting one of the mugs in your hands. Chris tried to give you his best puppy-eyed look, but you shook your head laughing. “Get your mind out of the gutter Evans, there's plenty of time for that later!”
Wordlessly you both climbed back into bed, As Chris pulled the duvet over you both, Dodger jumped onto the bed and lay down in the narrow gap between your bodies. Trying not to spill your drink on the canine, you handed a Chris one of the mugs and watched him do a quick double take of the contents. Where he had been expecting his morning coffee, his mug was full of steaming hot chocolate with a squirt of whipped cream and a candy cane.
“Sweetheart, I'm not complaining, but isn't this a bit Christmassy?”
“Hot chocolate is perfect for a cold day like today, and those candy canes have been sat in the drawer since Christmas,” you shrugged, taking a sip.
For the next few minutes, you both drank your hot chocolates in relative silence enjoying the peace and solitude. Placing his mug on the bedside table, Chris rolled over to face you.
“How do you like the sound of this? We get up and take Dodger out for a hike in the snow and when we get back I'll light the fire, and we'll have a Disney movie marathon in bed. And if the road's get cleared, we'll order our usual from Tony's.”
Leaning over, you planted a quick peck on the cheek.
“That sounds like a perfect Valentine's Day to me.”
Summary: It’s the day after Dodger returns from surgery and Chris is more concerned than you realized. Pure fluff.
Warnings: One swear word, poorly Dodger.
A/N: Inspired by the photo below. Also, thank you to @southerngracela for beta reading this for me.
Word count: 886
(Photo taken from Chris Evans’ Twitter.)
Chris' side of the bed was empty when you woke up. You suspected that he'd be up and back beside Dodger as soon as possible, so you didn't think anything of it. Pulling yourself out of the crisp cotton sheets and straightening out your pyjamas; you decided to forgo getting dressed until later. Checking up on Dodger was far more important.
On your way to the living room, you stopped by the kitchen to switch the kettle on. As your favourite morning sound filled the converted farmhouse, you noticed that the rest of the house was quiet. You thought that Chris would be having his usual talk with his favourite canine companion, chatting away about anything and everything in his soft Bostonian drawl. As you popped your head around the living room door, you couldn't decide if you should be endeared or heartbroken by your view.
Laying in his bed was the wounded soldier. Dodger seemed to be asleep with his head resting on one of his toys, which was good because his special harness and cone did not look to be the comfiest. The white bandage, which was a stark contrast to his brown fur pulled at your heart; but you were thankful that the surgery was a success and that he had got a good prognosis. However, it was what was next to Dodger that was stirring your emotions even more.
Lying on the hardwood floor in yesterday's clothes and looking like shit was Chris. You knew he'd been worrying about Dodger. Hell, you were worried too. You couldn't tell if he was awake or asleep, but you knew that he hadn't moved a muscle since you went to bed last night; you should've known that Chris was planning a bedside vigil.
For years before yours and Chris' eyes met across that crowded room, it had been Chris and Dodger vs The World. The unbreakable bond between them was truly special, to the point where you were more worried about meeting Dodger than you were meeting the human Evans'. In fact, you would occasionally joke that you played second fiddle to the mutt, but you could never begrudge him; you found Chris' devotion to his dog was one of his most attractive traits.
Suppressing a sigh, you quietly made your way back to the kitchen to finish making your tea, and fetch some water for your favourite boys. Gingerly carrying a tray, you returned to the living room as Chris began to sit up. Wordlessly you knelt beside him, and swapped Dodger's water dishes.
“Did you get any sleep?” You enquired as you passed him the glass of water. As he reached out and took it from your hands, you noticed just how tired his ocean blue eyes were.
“The odd ten minutes here and there, nothing substantial.” He answered, yawning.
“Sweetheart, I know you're worried about him, but you need to get some rest and that floor can't be good for your back.” You said, remembering the past few sleepless nights; where you had both laid in bed softly running your hands up and down each other's backs, attempting fruitlessly to silently soothe each other.
“But what if he needs me?” Chris asked as his eyes began to water and your heart shattered.
“I promise that I'll keep an eye on him.” You reached out to him and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “If anything happens, then I'll shout you.” Chris still didn't look convinced, he opened his mouth to say something, but you quickly interrupted him.
“Just try for twenty minutes,” you bargained. “If you're still awake and feeling anxious, you can come back and I'll drop it.”
Chris looked you up and down as he considered your compromise. He leaned over and pressed a haste kiss on your cheek.
“Twenty minutes,” Chris nodded, getting up and making his way to the bedroom. You grabbed your laptop and tea, settling down on the sofa, deciding to tackle your emails while you waited. The twenty minutes soon passed and the only sound you heard was a soft groan from Dodger as he shifted position; but soon the pup was snoring.
It was a good couple of hours later before you heard the shower turn on and ten minutes later, Chris was popping his head around the door.
“How's the patient?” Chris asked tentatively.
“Fine, mostly sleeping, I think he's still a bit groggy from the anaesthesia” You answered encouragingly, giving Chris a small smile. “You look better though, how are you feeling?”
“A lot better.” He said as he plopped down next to you on the sofa and pulled you into his arms. “Thank you, I didn't realize how much I need that.”
“No problem.” You said, planting a kiss on his lips. “I know how much you worry about him, but you need to look after yourself too.”
“What would I do without you eh?” said Chris.
“How long have you got?” You replied jokingly. Chris chuckled and kissed your forehead. “I know it's still early, but should I get the camp bed out of the garage?”
Chris laughed again as he looked over at Dodger, who had woken up; his tail made a few slow, woozy wags that thumped on the dog bed. “Let's see how today goes.”
A/N: Hi, I know it’s been a while. It seems that after the burst of creativity I had over Christmas has completey disapeered but I’m trying to get back into the swing of things. Thank you so much to @southerngracela for your kind words of encouragement! xx
Summary: “Please don't take this the wrong way,” you started. “But shouldn't you be in there schmoozing or scaring other people or whatever you guys do at events like these?”
Chris chuckled, as he took a swig of his beer. “Nah, these kind of events aren't usually my kind of thing, but I've worked with the charity before and wanted to support them. Besides, most of my friends have either left or had prior commitments.”
After a chance meeting with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, you lose track of the time and your phone.
Warnings: Swearing
“Shit, shit, shit!”
You were tearing your apartment apart limb from limb looking for your phone. Thank fuck you didn't have work today or else you would be catastrophically late. As much as you hated to admit it, not having your phone felt like missing an arm. Groaning, you slumped to the floor defeated. Feeling the coldness of the kitchen floor on your back, you resigned yourself to the fact that your phone was not at home. Sitting up, you began to mentally retrace your steps to the night before to help you remember where you had left it.
-
Serving canapés at a charity auction was not your day to day job, but when your best friend, Paige had called you earlier in the day in a pinch you couldn't refuse her. Anyway a little extra pocket money wouldn't go amiss, especially as you were currently saving up to buy a place of your own. Entering the hotel ballroom, you tried not to gasp from the grandiose of it all. Yes, you had done this before, but never on this scale. The large marble pillars that lined the walls would have been intimidating if it was not for the intimate lighting from the glistening chandeliers that dangled from the celling where painted cherubs danced and played. Beneath your feet lay a marble floor that matched the pillars, and you wondered if it was original.
The events Paige had organised in the past had included important people, but usually the most well-known person would be the local mayor. However, this event was an auction of iconic film costumes and outfits from red carpet events and the ballroom was stuffed to the rafters with people you had only seen via a screen. Making your way through the crowd, you did your best not to stare too much at the people you recognised. Soon enough you relaxed and kept your composure as you watched Hollywood's elite spend eye-wateringly amounts of money on superhero costumes, tattered black robes and a tuxedo jacket made from blue velvet. You were eyeing up a navy-blue sequin dress when all of a sudden you felt the presence of someone right behind you.
“What is it with chicks and dresses with pockets?”
You jumped out of your skin as you did your best not to drop your tray. Unfortunately, the tartlets were not so lucky.
“Fahk! I'm so sorry” you heard the male voice say as you knelt down to collect the causalities, heat rushing to your cheeks. You were surprised to see the figure kneel down next to you and help. You were too busy trying to pick everything up to see who the kind stranger was. But when his large hand brushed against yours, you couldn't help but jerk it away like he had given you a static shock and you also noticed that he had done it too. Looking up, you were not expecting to see Captain America's ocean blue eyes staring into yours.
“Thank you, you don't have to help me.” you said.
“You clearly haven't met my mother.” Chris replied, “Anyway, it's the least I can do seeing as it's my fault you dropped it. Let me apologise again for scaring you, I'm an ass and I was just trying to make conversation.”
“America's ass if I remember correctly.” You quipped back without thinking. Luckily a smirk painted itself across Chris' face as he tried to suppress a chuckle.
“I prefer to be called Chris,” he said jokingly as he stood up, his hand reached out for yours to help you up.
“Y/N.” You replied as you held onto him as you stood up, trying to regain your poise. “Thanks again for helping me pick this up, but I've gotta get a fresh tray.” Chris nodded as you made your way back to the kitchen.
You didn't see Chris again as the rest of your shift went without a hitch. The night had been a huge success, the outfits had been sold and more money had been raised than you would ever earn over the course of your lifetime. At eleven you were set free, an hour earlier than expected. While you were pleased to get away, you had already booked a cab to pick you up at midnight; so you decided to grab some fresh air and step into the courtyard. Although it was minimally lit by the moon and a few small lights, you could tell that it was as decadent as the interior. Sitting next to a fountain, you took your phone out of your bag and started to check your notifications.
“I almost didn't recognise you without your tray.” said a familiar raspy Bostonian drawl in the darkness, startling you. Again. Luckily you did not drop your phone.
“Will you stop doing that?!” You said exasperated as Chris burst into laughter, his right hand reaching for his chest, his left clutching a bottle of beer.
“Sorry sweetie.” Chris said when he finally stopped laughing.
“It's fine, but for future reference I don't need any help making a tit of myself.” You answered.
“Noted. Is this seat taken?” Chris asked gesturing to the space where your bag sat. Surprised by this you forgot to answer him directly, but when you moved your bag to the floor, Chris took a seat beside you.
“Please don't take this the wrong way,” you started. “But shouldn't you be in there schmoozing or scaring other people or whatever you guys do at events like these?”
Chris chuckled, as he took a swig of his beer. “Nah, these kind of events aren't usually my kind of thing, but I've worked with the charity before and wanted to support them. Besides, most of my friends have either left or had prior commitments.”
You nodded as the biting breeze swept over you, causing you to visibly shudder. Setting down his beer. Chris took off his jacket and offered it to you.
“No it's okay” you persisted, shuffling away from him.
“Sweetheart I insist, I'm from Boston, I'll be fine.”
Checking the time on your phone, you realised that you still had to spend nearly an hour sat in the cool breeze and reached out for Chris' jacket. As you put it on you absent-mindedly slipped your phone into his pocket. Soon enough you and Chris settled into an easy, slightly flirtatious conversation, when all of a sudden you heard Paige's voice reverberate across the courtyard.
“Y/N are you out here? There's a cab outside that's been waiting for you for over ten minutes!”
Turning back to Chris you asked “What time is it?”
“It's gone midnight.”
“Shit!” you exclaimed getting up and practically tearing Chris' jacket off. “I'm coming Paige.” You shouted back at her. Tossing the jacket back to Chris and picking up your bag, you turned to have one last good look at Chris.
“I'm really sorry, but I have to go. It was lovely to meet you and thanks for lending me your jacket.”
“Wait Y/N-”
Chris' protests fell on deaf ears as you sprinted for your cab, believing that your evening with Captain America would become nothing but a distant memory.
-
“Argh!” you groaned to yourself as you remembered how the night had ended. Your phone was in the hands of either a Hollywood superstar, or a pissed off cab driver. How on earth were you going to get it back?
Stopping yourself from getting too wound up, you decided to have a cup of tea and come up with a plan of action. As the kettle began to boil, you reached for you favourite mug when you heard a knock at your door. You huffed to yourself as you dragged yourself across your flat to answer it. You were not expected to see Paige stood on the other side waving your phone about.
“Oh my God, where did you get this?” you enquired as you snapped your phone out of Paige's clutches.
“A rather handsome gentleman handed in to me about ten minutes after you blanked the poor bastard.” Paid replied rather smugly. “But I will tell you that he drives a hard bargain.”
Brushing Paige's comment to the side you asked, “Are you staying? I've just boiled the kettle.”
“No thanks honey, I've got things to do. But thanks again for helping me out. I owe you one.”
You gave Paige a quick hug before she departed. Closing the door you jumped for joy. As you were finishing making your tea, you phone pinged. Checking you saw that it was from an unknown number. Flopping down on the sofa, you curiously opened the message.
Hey sweetheart, it's Chris from last night. You didn't give me the chance to say this before you ran off, but are you free at all any time this week? I would love to have dinner with you and get to know you better xx
A smile spread across your face as you tried to decide what to type back. Letting out a sigh to yourself you decided to get this over with before you could talk yourself out of what you wanted to do. Nervously you tapped on the screen, deciding that simple but effective would do the trick.
