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Jun 28, 2022

Four Times David Thought of Asking + The One Time Angel Did

*faceplants* Y'all I did ittt! Hello! Welcome to this behemoth of a fic! This was just me tryna break up the angst I was writing, but then I started thinking about David and his relationship with control and how Angel had a huge part in him easing up on said control. Add a little projecting onto David and thus, this turned into five stories in one mega-fic.

Thank you sooo much to @angel-bubbles for giving me some ideas! I really couldn't do this without your input! And tagging @bittersweet--chaos because they're a doll!

Warnings: Post-Inversion feelings and Depressive episode ->(Moment #3), Suggestive themes and Mentions of sex -> (Moment #4)

David Shaw was a man who valued control.

Every action must be premeditated and executed to perfection. Anything less would never be up to his standards. But he swears it's not a problem. If things don’t go his way, he won’t make a big deal out of it.

‘That is a fucking lie Shaw, you are the biggest control freak I’ve ever met.’

Ok, maybe he has some control issues.

There have been times in his life when David didn’t have a say in the situation. He didn’t have a say when either of his parents died, nor did he have a say when he was named Alpha at that young age. Both life experiences had caught him off-guard and left him scared, confused and hurt. A hurt that he refuses to let himself go through again. He will not let anything else blindside him.

Well, that didn’t exactly go to plan. Something did blindside him and that was when his future mate stalked him. Before anyone says otherwise, yes he fully believes that Angel was stalking him that night. That’s not the point though.

It will always baffle him how impulsive Angel can be with certain decisions. From asking him out that fateful night to moving in with him after less than a year of dating, he will never understand how they’re able to throw caution out the damn window.

‘It’s because I trust you, Davey! I have faith that you won’t hurt me. That’s why I can be carefree around you, and I hope you feel at ease around me too.’

Whether they knew it or not, his Angel succeeded. They somehow made the Alpha of the Shaw pack, known for his stoic nature and tense shoulders, relax. It’s a big ask considering who they’re dealing with, but like always, Angel did it effortlessly.

For once in his life, David was ok with not having control.

As he stared at the ring that adorned his finger, he realized that the moments where Angel made him let go are the reasons that they were the person he wanted to marry. He thinks back to those moments and the eventual proposal and wonders what the hell he did to deserve this.

Perhaps it was only when he finally put down the burden that rested on his shoulders that he was able to enjoy life.

It also helped that Angel made his life worth enjoying again.

Moment #1: They made him forget the unease of being in a car.

Over the years, David has developed some habits to cope with his unwariness in a car. His arms were stiff when holding the steering wheel, made sure his foot was hovering over the breaks, kept his eyes on the road at all times, and most importantly-

“Angel, for the millionth time, I do not want any music playing while I’m driving.”

One of the annoying things about David is that he refuses to let music play in the car while driving. He claims that he doesn’t want to be distracted on the road, but the pack notices the way his eyes glaze over and his voice slightly cracking. He would never say the full reason, but it would take a real dumbass to not figure that out.

“But Davey! It’s way too quiet and this is a damn road trip! If you won’t talk to me, then the least you can do is let me jam out,” Angel said while pouting. They crossed their arms and puffed out their chest to show that they’re annoyed, but honestly, David thought they looked cute sitting like that. Their adorableness didn’t negate the fact that he really didn’t want music to be playing right now.

David took in a shaky breath before continuing. “Angel, I know it’s boring without any sound, but I just-” Angel cut him off, “then I won’t play anything.”

What David didn’t know is that when he started speaking, his eyes had glazed over and his grip on the steering wheel tightened. ‘Maybe he was remembering something bad?’ Angel thought. They didn’t know. What they do know was that David needed this. And who were they to deny their boyfriend something he needs.

One thing about Angel that he loves was their ability to know when to push and when to stop. Of course, it has been a learning process for them both. But they were learning each other’s boundaries. And they were learning together.

“Thank you, Angel,” David sighed out, before focusing on the road again.

A few moments went by before Angel started humming a tune, one that David was familiar with. He let out a groan and if he wasn’t driving, he would have banged his head against the steering wheel.

“Oh, I’m sorry if the humming is bothering you. It’s just that it's a song that’s been in my brain and I have to hum it so it gets out, but I totally understand if you need me to stop and,” Angel kept on rambling and apologizing. The longer they were explaining themselves, the more out of breath they became.

David let one hand go on the steering wheel and held his Angel’s hand. “Look at me Angel, you’re ok just breathe with me.” Angel looked into David’s eyes and he swears that their eyes could only be compared to the moon. Once Angel's breathing calmed down, David explained why he became annoyed with humming.

“It’s not you, I promise. The song you’ve were humming is a stupid ‘Hall and Oates’ song that Tank used to blast when we were younger,” David said with disdain in his voice. “At one point, they did it specifically to piss me off, so now anytime I hear the song, I just want to die on the inside.”

Angel started laughing that beautiful laugh of theirs. “Why though? It’s such a sweet song. Never would have thought that Tank would be into it,” they mused. David looked at the smile that was on their face, and he immediately felt at ease.

He forgot that he was in a car, something he hasn’t been able to do since his father died. Angel had made him forget it. Their presence was enough to keep his mind from fixating on every detail that he needed to control. Maybe he could try…

“Hey Angel, can you open that compartment for me?” They did as they were told and were met with a CD. Angel looked up at David who was reminiscing about… something.

“I was a fussy kid and it took me forever to put me to sleep. My… My dad used to drive me around when I couldn't. Apparently, driving around the neighbourhood knocked me the fuck out.” David let out a little chuckle. “The CD you’re holding is the one that he’d play every night to help me sleep, and I want to listen to it with you.”

“David… you don’t have to play any kind of music because I asked,” Angel said nervously as they fumbled with their shirt.

“I want this. I promise.” Angel nodded and put the disc into the CD player.

For the first time in forever, a road trip karaoke session was held in David’s car.

At that moment, David thought he was blessed with a real angel on his side. Their bright smile and siren-like voice that he wouldn’t mind spending forever listening to.

‘Huh. Never would have thought I’d want to spend forever with someone, but I wouldn’t mind if it was them. I should ask them about it. Not now, it’s way too soon. But one day, I will propose to them.’

Moment #2: They knew when to take over when he was overwhelmed.

Nothing was going right today.

David woke up late that morning, meaning he couldn’t get his morning coffee (or his morning kiss from Angel). His car decided to break down on the way to work. When he did manage to get there, he was hit with a bunch of paperwork to fill out and phone calls to make. The Department was taking fucking forever finalizing his plan for the E&E Games. Milo and Christian got into their third petty argument of the day. And he can’t find his fucking pen to sign these goddamn papers. So the last thing he needed to deal with was a bunch of pups following him and asking a billion questions.

Which is exactly what he was dealing with at this moment.

“Mr. Alpha, who’s the stronger wolf, you or Tank?”

“Asher says that you do a backflip and I want you to teach me!”

“Can I have some candy? I really want some candy!”

He swears that he likes the kids. They’re cute, ask the most stupidly amusing questions and it’s adorable seeing them flail around in their wolf forms. Not today. He cannot deal with this today. Usually Tanker would be the one taking care of the pups, but they’re having a similar morning to him and everyone else is too damn busy with the Games coming up.

‘It’s ok, just take a deep breath. They’re just kids and they don’t deserve to be screamed at because you’re stressed.’

A few moments of blissful silence go by. The kids are talking quietly among themselves and David finally feels his headache leaving him.

…“So, who is the stronger wolf?” An innocent question, but one that sparked a very loud argument from the children.

David couldn’t bother listening to their argument. All he could make out was variations of “David would win because he’s the Alpha” or “Tank would win because they’re a tank,” but what they were saying didn’t matter. What mattered was that killer migraine was coming back and the pressure on his chest was increasing steadily.

He laid his head on the desk, trying to drown out everything. Every past mistake, every decision he has to make, every terrible outcome that can happen. He just wants to let go of everything and… he doesn’t what the fuck he wants to do, but he doesn’t want to live the rest of his life like this. Under this intense scrutiny and pressure and stress. Having to be perfect for the people who rely on him and if he messes up, then they all go down with him.

He wishes Angel was here to do something. Anything. Just them being there would be enough to make that pain go away.

“Hey kids, maybe I can take you to the park so David can get his work done.”

The Heavens had heard his prayers and answered by sending an Angel to him.

Standing by the doorway was his Angel in all their glory. They were giving their iconic reassuring smile. The one that screamed ‘don’t worry, I got this.’

At the mention of the park, all the pups got up and ran over to Angel. They jumped up and down with glee at the prospect of them doing something that wasn’t sitting around. Angel had even come prepared with snacks and toys for the pup to play with too.

They walked past the hyper children into David’s office with a bag in hand. “I noticed that you didn’t get the chance to eat breakfast. Sooooo,” Angel trailed as they reached into the tote bag they brought with them and pulled out a lunch box. “I thought that I’d make you some lunch!”

David raised his eyebrows while taking the lunch box. “You made this? My Angel who lived off of ramen and fast food made me lunch?” The skepticism was dripping from his voice.

Angel let out a small laugh. ‘Cute.’ “Well maybe your cooking lessons are finally paying off. Besides, if you don’t like it, I’m sure Ash and the others can buy something for ya.”

David opened the box and was met with the most delicious looking sandwich he’s ever seen. He picked it up and took a bite of it. To call the sandwich delicious would be an insult to Angel’s good. If Heaven had a taste, it would be this sandwich. “This is perfect Angel, thank you so much.” Although there is one thing he is wondering. “What are you doing here?”

“Welllll, a certain Beta told me you were having a pretty shit morning. So me being the incredible mate I am, I took the day off at work and came over to help.” The more Angel spoke, the bigger the smile grew on his face. ‘How incredibly lucky am I to have a mate to share my weight with.’ “Now I’m going to take the kids to the park and you are going to eat and finish your work, okay?”

“Ok,” he responded. Angel walked back to the restless kids and left for the park, leaving David alone. Finally, he can work in peace and quiet. He can already feel the headache leaving again. Though the one thing he’d change would be to have Angel stay for longer. Make up that morning kiss too? He scoffed at the thought. ‘When did I get so soft?’

After a few hours, David got all the paperwork done and decided to see how Angel and the pups were doing. He put on his jacket and walked out the building to go to the park.

It was a walking distance from the office building. The path there is one that is engraved in his memory. When he was younger, David, Asher and Milo would sneak out of pack meetings to go to the park and play. Once David became Alpha, he had made a rule that the pups were to be accompanied by an older pack member if they wanted to go to the park. Asher and Milo claimed that the rule is ‘too much’ and ‘way overkill,’ but David just wants to make sure his pack is safe. That includes the annoying and endearing pups.

David arrived at the park and saw a sight that made his heart melt.

The pups were in their shifted forms and dogpiled Angel. His Angel was laughing and petting the pups that covered them. It seems as though Angel and the pups were fighting, and the pups had won. He can already imagine his mate boasting about how they let the pups win.

‘Angel is really good with the kids.’

“Yo Shaw.”

‘I wonder if they’d be this happy if we had our own kids.’

“Hellooooo, David?”

‘I’d need to marry them first, just to make sure that the process wouldn’t be messy. I wouldn’t mind marrying them. They took this responsibility off my chest and I thank them immensely for that.’

“Are you fucking- That’s it.”

A sharp pain exploded in David’s jaw. When he looked up to see who laid the punch, he was met with his disgruntled lone wolf.

“What the fuck, Tanker? What was the punch for?” David nearly yelled, in complete confusion of the wolf’s actions.

“Oh, you’ll be fine. I didn’t punch you that hard,” Darlin’ said while rolling their eyes. They continued “and to answer your question, I’ve been calling your name for the last five minutes and you weren’t responding.” Darlin’ looked at the view that David was watching and saw Angel playing with the pups. They looked back at him and saw the lovesick look in his eyes. Darlin let out a smirk and a low chuckle. “So, when’s the wedding?”

David turned to look at his cocky pack member. ‘This fucking shit, I swear.’ “There is no wedding Tank. I don’t even know what put that idea in your head.”

Darlin’ raised their hands in mock surrender before saying, “hey, I’m just saying. I mean they are your mate. Forgive me if I assumed that a wedding was coming.” Darlin’ returned to look at the pups and Angel, who was carrying the pups around in their arms. “They’ve been good for you. Ever since they got here, you’ve been less stressed about everything, and I’ve only been back for a few months. You’re letting them carry part of your burden.” Darlin’ walked towards the unempowered human and the rowdy pups. They turned back to give a final message to David. “You got a good thing going Shaw, don’t fuck it up.”

“Don’t worry.” Angel noticed the two wolves standing aside and flashed them a dazzling smile.

“I don’t plan on doing so.”

Moment #3: For better or for worse, they would do anything for him.

David was tired. Drained. Exhausted.

For once in his life, he wishes that time would speed up.

It had been two weeks since the end of the Inversion, but David feels like it had been a few hours since he came home from the arena.

The first week was easy. It was easy to get lost in all of the ceremonies and speeches. He may have been disgusted with himself standing on that stage, but it was something. There was work that he could do. Something to focus on and not think about the smell of blood and death that clung onto him, despite the numbers of showers he took.

The medals were awarded and the public appeared to be put at ease, and there was no more work to be done. The elders in the pack had agreed to temporarily relieve David of his duties as Alpha to give him time to heal from what had happened. He tried to argue that while he went through one the most traumatic moments that a person can go through, he’ll be ok. He just wants things to be normal again.

The pack refused and the decision was made. David was to spend the next two weeks relaxing.

A quiet voice appeared in his head. A voice that he’s long been familiar with.

‘How dare you lay here safe and sound, while hundreds are dead?’ The voice had taunted him. ‘Why are you and your family alive when so many lost theirs that day? Who gave you, David Shaw, the right and audacity to have this happy ending?’

Usually, David has the strength to power through those thoughts. There was always a task more important than hostile thoughts festering in his head.

Now, he didn’t have the energy to stop thinking.

Memories of the carnage left by the shades flood his brain. How can something with no form bring so much fear? How could it do so much damage? How come he couldn't prevent more people from dying?

‘You damned everyone in the arena that day, yet you’re the one who comes out on top.’

‘The Big Hero, Dahlia’s Saviour.’

‘What would your father think of you parading around, when Milo, the real hero, is forced to keep quiet? How could he stomach having a son who takes credit for his friends’ actions?’

A sane person would tell him that he wasn’t at fault for what happened that day, but he didn’t care. More accurately, he didn’t have it in him to care. It may have not been him who opened the portal, but he put up the wards. He trapped those people inside. He trapped his family inside.

In his mind, David was a murderer. One that had gotten away with his crime.

A soft knock came from the door and a voice was heard. “Hey Davey, can I come in?”

He let out a grunt that sounded enough like a yes and Angel walked inside. With them was some chicken noodle soup they had made for David. They put the tray with the bowl on the bedside table. Angel pointed their head towards an empty spot on the bed, silently asking if they can sit down. To that, he gave a light nod.

Angel sat down cross legged beside David, with their body facing his. They ran their hand through his hair, hoping they could take away everything that was hurting him. Realistically, they know that it won’t be enough to heal him, but it’s all they can do right now.

Just be there for him. Make sure that he isn’t alone to face everything again.

Do everything they can to make David feel better. God knows that being ‘ok’ is the least that David deserves.

Angel being there was enough to make him feel better. Granted, it wasn’t much, but when you feel as empty as David does in this moment, any kind of feeling is welcomed. With the little energy he can muster, he took Angel’s hand that was running through his hair and pressed a gentle kiss on it. He let his lips linger as a promise. That right now things are really fucking hard, but one day everything will be ok. That he will be ok.

That they will be ok.

Angel gave their vibrant smile and used the hand that David was holding to cup his cheek. They thumbed the eye bags that have become more prominent over the last two weeks. He covered Angel’s hand with his own and pressed their hand further into his face.

‘We’re safe. We’re alive. We’re here, together. And that’s all I need.’

…‘I wouldn't mind spending eternity like this with them. Maybe I should get Mom’s old ring ready to give to them. Not now, but when things get better, I’ll ask them.’

The Fourth time was when he realized he’s never been more relaxed than laying beside them.

The most heavenly sight he’s ever laid eyes on is Angel underneath him. They’re breathless and glowing and it brings David so much damn pride knowing he’s the one who made them like that.

“As always Davey, you’re amazing,” they said, panting in between each word. He was only partially attentive to what Angel had been saying. His gaze was more focused on the bruises blooming all over their body. The trail of bruises started from Angel’s neck, down their torso where it ended in between their thighs. “I know I’m sexy and all that, but I would rather you listen to me.” David looked up to Angel smirking. They looked so enticing, almost enough to make go for a round two.

Almost.

David rolled his eyes at Angel’s comment and moved to leave the bed. Angel whined and wrapped their arms around his neck as an attempt to keep him close. They gave a deep and slow kiss and if David was a weaker man, he'd never leave their bed. Angel broke the kiss and asked, “come on, David! Can’t we stay like this for like, five minutes?” Angel gave their best pouty face, but it wasn’t enough to deter him.

“As much as I love to lay here with you, I want to take care of you.” Angel nodded and let David go, allowing him to get up. He reached to the bedside table and grabbed the damp washcloth. Begrudgingly, he began to wipe Angel clean of any evidence of what just happened.

Once he was done cleaning himself and Angel, he put on a pair of boxers and left the room to get them both a cup of water. Walking down the stairs, he started to think about how easy sex was with them. He’s had partners before, though not as many as some of the other wolves. In the past, David could never truly be himself during the act. He had been what his partners wanted, someone for lack of better words, would fuck them until they couldn’t walk and leave the next morning.

With Angel, it was easy. He could laugh when the bed breaks, tease them however he pleases and on days where David is tired from work, he can let his Angel take control. He can already imagine how baffled the rest of the pack would be if they find out. David Shaw? Letting someone else take control in their bed?

But just as easily as the water flowed in the cup, Angel had made David comfortable to be himself.

Not the Alpha of the Shaw Pack. Not David Shaw with a capital D and W.

Just David.

David walked back upstairs to their bedroom with the cup in hand. He opened the bedroom door and saw his Angel laying in bed. They were wearing his shirt and boxers and ‘damn, they look good in them’. He shook off those thoughts out of his head and walked further into the bedroom. He handed Angel the cup of water. They took a gulp of water before saying “thank you,” flashing a grateful grin.

Once Angel was done with the water, they handed the cup back to David, who put it on the vanity table. They moved over, allowing David to get in bed. He wrapped one arm around Angel’s waist and used the other to guide their head to lay on his chest. After a while, their breathing evened out, leaving David alone with his thoughts.

‘Tomorrow. I can get Mom’s ring and ask the pack to help me make a plan. Something grand, but private. Just me and my Angel, all I’ve ever needed.’

David went to sleep, thinking about the different ways his proposal could happen.

+ The one time Angel asked instead.

Of all the ways David thought this could happen, this was definitely not it.

“Hey, do you want to marry me?”

David choked on and spat out the water and toothpaste mixture in his mouth. After a little coughing fit, he looked at Angel with wide eyes. For someone who basically proposed, Angel seemed casual. They were sitting on the edge of the bed with their arms resting behind them.

David collected his thoughts and asked, “are you asking me to discuss the possibility of getting married? Or are you proposing to me?” There’s no way. No, he wanted to do this grand proposal for them. They cannot be stealing his thunder like this.

Angel raised their eyebrows at David and responded with a questioning tone. “I’m asking to marry you? What else does ‘hey, do you want to marry me?’ mean?” Angel got up from the bed and walked to the bathroom. They leaned against the doorframe waiting for David’s response.

David’s mind blanked out and all he could say was “why?”

Angel rolled their eyes before making themselves home in David’s arms. They wrapped their arms around David’s neck and kissed a bruise on his neck in an attempt to knock David out of this trance.

Angel huffed and gave David their answer. “I mean, we’ve been together for a long ass time, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Marriage is the next step in our relationship.” Their face fell as doubts started to fill their head. “Unless you don’t want to get married, which I completely get. Shit David, I didn’t mean to push you into making a decision. I was just thinking about it this morning and-” Angel was cut off with a kiss to their forehead.

“But what about a ring?” It was a simple question, but one that he hoped would buy him some time to find a way to properly propose to them first.

Angel unwrapped their arms to pick up the floss string container. They pulled out some string and pulled one of David’s hands off their waist. They held his hand in theirs and used the floss string to tie around his ring finger, finishing it off with a pretty bow. “Et voila! There’s your ring!”

David stared dumbfounded at the ‘ring’ and let out a stomach cramping laugh.

‘Of course my beautiful, incredibly intelligent and stubborn Angel would use fucking floss string as a placeholder for a goddamn engagement ring. God, I love them so fucking much.’

Once his laughter died down and he could breathe again, Angel flashed David a radiant smile.

“You still haven’t answered my question David. Will you marry me, David Shaw?”

Their answer was their mate pulling them into his body and giving them a searing kiss. His arms wrapped around their waist and he wanted to pull his mate, his Angel, as close to him as possible. Angel’s arms tightened around his neck and their fingers found home in his hair.

David wanted to pour everything in that kiss. His love, his admiration, his lust. He wanted that kiss to be his answer, one he was ready to give since the beginning of their relationship.

That David Shaw will spend forever by his Angel’s side. It had been written in the stars since the dawn of time that these two will find each other. That they will fall in love. He knew it the fucking moment that he saw them that they were going to be special to him.

David pulled away from the kiss and rested his forehead against theirs. Their eyes sparkling with the brightness of the future and a soft smile adorning their face.

‘I really need to give them Mom’s ring now. I’m going to spend the rest of my fucking days with the most perfect person ever. Damn, what did I do to deserve this?’

“David~? Do I need to get Tank to knock you out of a daydream again?”

David blinked back to reality. He was still sitting at his office desk and now Angel was leaning over his desk. Angel got up and walked around the desk to get to him. As they were making room to sit in his lap, they said, “I was calling your name for like, five minutes now. What’s got your head in the clouds?”

David chuckled before squeezing Angel’s thighs. “Nothing, I was just thinking about how happy I am that I’m going to marry you.”

Angel smiled at him and rested their head on his chest. “I don’t blame you Davey, I’d be happy to marry me too!” David rolled his eyes at his mate’s comment and kissed their head. His eyes caught the glittering ring on their finger, the one that belonged to his mother.

For the first time in forever, David felt at peace with himself.

All it took was an Angel to be the guide to his happiness.

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