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whore4sherlockholmes · 11 months

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Then There Was You 41: Just Because

Pairing: Neurosurgeon!Strange x Fem!Nurse!OC

Snippet: He’d never cared if he meant anything to anyone, never cared if anyone meant anything to him.

But then there was you.

And how could he ever not care about you?

Warnings: Explicit language, talks of a breakup, sexual themes, mentions of rape (no detail), alcohol, drunkenness.

Word count: 6,916

Reading time: ≈ 25 mins.

Chapter 41/41

A/N: here she is… the last chapter of PART ONE!!! surprise bestie. more info to come, until then… leave questions, theories, and comments below. If you want to be tagged in updates say so in the comments! Happy reading <3

“You’ll be needed in court— both of you— between the fifteenth and seventeenth of January. After that, it’s out of your hands. Ms. May, you’re familiar with that part of the process?” You nod before realizing the lawyer cannot see you through the phone and reply quickly, “Yeah— yes. Unfortunately, yes, I am.”

“Doctor Strange, from what Christine has told me, you’ll do just fine. Flash a smile and be honest. I recognize this is your alma mater—“

“My alma mater is responsible for a barely legal teenagers’ drugging and rape, I’m a bit far beyond caring about what the school means to me.”

“Forgive me. I never can be too careful.” Mrs. Ramirez apologizes, “Now, I must go. I suggest the two of you do the same, enjoy your weekend. Put the case out of your mind until January, okay?”

“Yes.” You sigh, “Thank you Mrs. Ramirez. Goodbye.”

You press the end call button and lean into the island, resting your forehead against it and letting out a deep breath. Stephen pats your back and you pick up your head to look at him. He quirks a small smile and reaches over, brushing flour off your forehead. You give a little huff and a ‘thanks.’

“Feel any better?” He asks

“I’d feel better if this turkey would hurry up.” You grouch

“You’re the one that wanted to do Thanksgiving for everyone.” He reminds you

“Yes, I know. Please stop me from proposing ridiculous ideas from now on.”

“It doesn’t help when I do.” He argues, “Besides… selfishly, I think it’s nice. I haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving in years.”

You, Stephen, Christine, Nic, Billy, and… maybe Gavin. That had still been rocky.

“It’s not even Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving was two days ago.”

“Yeah, but our chef had to work that day.”

“That’s probably my favorite part of the job.” You say sarcastically, “The times I rarely get holidays off.”

“Someone’s gotta’ do it.”

“Oh, but not you?”

“I said someone.”

You smile at him and roll your eyes, “Mhm.”

“What time is everyone supposed to be here?”

“Billy may be early… depending. Nic and Chrissy will be here between half past five and six.”

“That mean I have time to shower?”

“It’s only three. Doesn’t normally take you three hours.”

“What if you joined me…” Stephen comes up behind you and wraps his arms around your waist, bending down a little to whisper, “We said holidays.”

You smile to yourself and tilt your head back to look at him, your nose brushing against his as you repeat firmly, “Thanksgiving was two days ago.”

Stephen pouts at you, “Yeah, but I’m trying to give thanks now.”

You giggle and swat his arms from around your waist, “No, Strange.”

He huffs and pulls away, grumbling as he walks down the hall to his room, “Comes into my home, uses my credit card at the store, makes a mess of my kitchen, sleeping in my bed tonight…”

“I’m not a prostitute, you know?” You call with a smile, “It’s not transactional! You’re just being a good friend!”

“Being a good friend sucks when there’s no reward!”

“My presence is your reward!”

There’s a pause before he admits, “Good enough… I guess.”

You chuckle to yourself mixing up the cornbread. He was such a horny mess.

You loved it.

But no. You had to hold strong. You’d almost made it to the week mark, and you were hoping you’d make it until after Christmas. Well… you’d let him have Christmas eventually, just not in your parent’s house. And after that… after you made it through to the new year safely and things calmed down you would tell him. You’d tell him and he’d either never wanna see you again or it would be fine. Your heart dropped thinking about it though… you had a strong feeling he’d choose the former. So you pushed that thought away and instead chose to focus on getting the corn ready. Corn on the cob— better for you than creamed corn.

Thirty minutes later when Stephen came back out— thirty minutes was still too long— you served him a knowing glare, but he just smirked and shrugged. You rolled your eyes and turned to hide your smile. He was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a grey sweater. He looked so cute and homey. You stifled a laugh noticing his socks were grey to match the sweater… another one of his strange little habits. His socks always matched his shirt.

“You look good.” You compliment

“Thanks, Doll.” Stephen says pacing behind you, “Not too dressy?”

“Nope. Very cute. That sweater looks very nice on you.”

Stephen was grateful you were turned to hide the blush on his cheeks from such a simple compliment, “Ah, thanks. Dug it out the back of the closet.”

“We really should do a closet and drawer cleanup for you, you know? I bet there’s tons of stuff you never wear anymore— we can donate.”

“You’re one to talk, shoe hoarder.”

“But I wear all my shoes.” You defend, “You don’t need three different coats— you don’t even wear your coats.”

“Well, I’m not wearing Tom Ford into the hospital if that’s what you’re suggesting.”

“No, I’m just saying there’s probably someone who could really benefit from a nice coat.”

“I’m not giving away my designer coats for some hobo to destroy in the streets.”

“Stephen…” You sigh, serving him a glare

“Sorry.” He mumbles, “I do wear them. I just don’t have the occasion to wear them very often. But they come in handy when there are winter galas to attend. The problem is, the gala season is usually in the spring and summer. And I don’t tend to go overseas to conferences anymore, which is where they were originally bought and worn.”

“Hmm.” You hum, “Where all have you been?”

“Uh… England, France, Italy, Germany, Japan…”

“Wow. That’s… really cool, Steph.”

“Where’ve you been?”

You roll your lips together, “Don’t laugh at me please, I’ll cry. I’m emotional this last week, you know?”

“I’m not gonna laugh at you.”

You had been emotional. A nervous wreck really. He was almost certain it had something to do with your new meds, but he couldn’t bring himself to mention something about it. Didn’t feel like his place.

“Never left the southeast until I moved up here for college.” You admit, “We didn’t really have the time for it. Money, sure, but not the time. Can’t just up and leave a farm for a week.”

“Oh, God, Doll. We gotta get you out in the world!” Stephen exclaims, “C’mon, where do you wanna go?”

You turn to him and shrug, “Never given it much thought.”

“Anywhere.” He insists, “I offer you a flight right now to anywhere in the world, where are we going?”

“Promise me you won’t actually book the flight first.”

He rolls his eyes and leans against the island, “Promise.”

If you didn’t have the job you did, he would have.

“I dunno… maybe Ireland? Iceland? Greenland? Northern Europe. Somewhere cold and away from everything.”

“No, no, no. That’s a vacation for after you’ve traveled and actually seen things, we can’t start there.” He objects

“Hey! This is my vacation!”

“Not anymore. Nope.” Stephen goes into planning mode, “I think we’ll go to Paris first— that’s where the Monet Marmottan Museum is, you like Monet—“

“Says who?” You challenge

“Says your key chain, several stickers on Daisy, and the pattern of the pillows on your couch.” Stephen shrugs, “The clouds in the pond.”

“Reflections of Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond.” You correct, “But yes…” Your heart fluttered at the little attention to detail

“We’ll do lunch at a little café that you’ll be comfortable in— I’ll try to flirt with French women in French and you’ll pretend to be annoyed when you’re secretly impressed and oddly a little turned on because I speak very good french.” He gives you a very charming smile that forces you to quell one of your own, “After lunch, we’ll go see the Notre Dame de Paris. You’ll be beside yourself with excitement, I’ll think it’s very cute, you little bumpkin…”

“Uh— hey!”

“Then Tuileries Garden. Ferris wheel, flowers, you can be irate about the horses they parade around all day that you have to pay to ride. For dinner we’re going to Jean-François Rouquette, which you will hate because you have to dress like a proper lady and sit like a proper lady and use your table manners like a proper lady and eat foreign food and not makes faces at it like a proper lady— but I will love it, so you’ll do it for me. Finally, we will go back to our hotel— Shangri-La Paris— which I chose specifically because of the view of the Eiffel Tower at night.” Stephen finishes, holding his arms out wide as if to say, ‘ta-da!’

You attempt to choke back your smile at such enthusiasm and fail completely as you laugh out, “Oh? That simple is it?”

“Yes, but I forgot the best part.”

“And what’s that?”

Stephen grabs your arm and pulls you against him, pressing your hands to his chest and ducking down, his nose brushing against your own as he looks into your eyes and murmurs, “The part where I get you drunk on the best champagne available and fuck your brains out on the balcony of our room while you stare at the Eiffel Tower all lit up.”

You roll your eyes and look up at him through your lashes with a grin, not bothering to pull away and lessen your proximity as you breathe out, “So it was all an elaborate ploy to get into my pants?”

How dare he?

How dare he tempt you with such a wonderful fantasy? How dare he smell so wonderful fresh out of his shower? How dare his lips be so perfectly full and kissable looking? How dare he try to seduce you with such a silly little scenario!

And how dare you for falling for it!

But one little kiss couldn’t hurt, could it?

“No.” He pouts at you, reaching up and tucking a strand of hair that’s escaped from your bun behind your ear, “Not all of it. Only the dinner and champagne. You know you love seeing me in a suit.”

“I’ll consider the offer.” You tease

“Really?” His brows shoot up in surprise, “Because I need to start booking things n— oof.” He grunts as you jab him in the stomach

“No, not really! You’re supposed to be behaving, Stephen Strange.”

“I!” He exclaims, bright blue eyes wide, “I just offered to take you on an all-expenses-paid, once-in-a-lifetime, romantic, dream vacation! Most women would be on their knees right now— you know that right?”

You bite into your bottom lip and tilt your head just a bit closer, your lips millimeters away from his own as you whisper, “Then go talk to another woman, Stephen.”

Christ, he wanted to kiss that smile off your lips. And if he was reading these signals right, you sure did want him to. Then again, it could have just been wishful thinking. Luckily, he was saved from his stupidity by a knock on the door. He narrowed his eyes at you and settled for placing a chaste kiss against your temple. You giggled and turned back around to start peeling potatoes while Stephen got the door.

“Hey Bil—“

“Where’s my wife?”

“Kitchen.”

Billy stormed straight past Stephen and into the penthouse. Stephen closed the door gently, leaving it unlocked for Christine to barge in as she preferred to do. He walked back into the kitchen and gently nudged you out of the way, taking over peeling potatoes while you listened to Billy. And Stephen listened too, of course…

“He left this morning. He told me he wouldn’t go until next week, he told me we had until next week—“

“And he left this morning without warning?” You ask, completely gobsmacked

“Yeah. He called me at five, told me he had a flight at eight. I went, we argued, he left… we’re through.” Billy shrugs

“Oh, Bill…”

“It is what it is now, isn’t it?” He shrugs, “No use in—“

“Oh, don’t do that. Don’t pull a Stephen.”

“Excuse you?” Stephen objects, “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It’s supposed to mean you like to pretend things don’t hurt when they do.”

“I’ve been better…” He mumbles

“You’re right, you have been.” You correct yourself seeing the hurt on Stephen’s face, “I’m sorry, Steph.”

“S’fine. You’re right anyways. You shouldn’t internalize things, only makes it worse when it all comes out.”

“Oh, does it?” Billy sent a pointed glare to you and Stephen both individually. Maddeningly neither of you seemed to notice he was talking to both and not just one of you. “Look, I’m not internalizing— and don’t regurgitate your therapy sessions at me!” Billy huffs to Stephen, “I’m just… I’m not ready to talk about it. It all happened so fast…”

You nod and look to your feet, holding out your arms, “You wanna’ hug?”

You glance up to watch Billy quirk a small smile and step forward into your arms. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders and squeezed you tight, making you giggle.

Billy looked over your shoulder at Stephen, “Do I get a hug from you too?”

“What about a solid fist bump?” He counters

“Oh my God.“ You reach behind you and grab Stephen’s sweater, pulling him behind you and wrapping his arms around you and Billy. He grumbles but doesn’t fight too hard because at least you’re a part of it too. Billy looked up and wiggled his eyebrows at Stephen and that’s where he had to draw the line. You whined when Stephen pulled away, teasing, “I was enjoying that.”

“I bet we can put you in a similar position that you’d really enjoy…” Billy wiggles his eyebrows at you now and you burst into a fit of giggles

“Enough.” Stephen grunts, “Do you want me to keep peeling potatoes or is there something else I can do to help?”

“Potatoes are good.” You agree, “Thank you.”

Stephen nods and turns his back to you and Billy to resume his work in peace. You creep over to the drawer you knew Stephen’s aprons and rags were kept in and snatched one out. You padded over to him and wrapped your arms around his waist, disguising the action of placing the little waist apron on with a hug. Billy snickers to himself when Stephen just gives a little smile, not even noticing the apron’s been tied around his waist. You held a finger to your lips to shush Billy and Stephen kept about his chore happily as you moved to get a big pot of green beans on the stove.

“Go sit down and rest, Bill. There’s not much you can do.” Stephen says, “She’s a control freak in the kitchen.”

You pout, “Things just get done better my way.”

“You still owe me cooking lessons.”

“I show you how to make something for lunch tomorrow.” You promise, “Even though you’ll have so many leftovers.”

“Can I take leftovers?” Billy asks

“Yes, please.” Stephen begs, “We just got rid of all the Philippe Chow yesterday.”

“Cool.” Billy says sauntering over to the couch and eyeing it wearily, “Quick question. Do you two do… it… on this thing?”

“No.” You deny

“Oh, yeah.” Stephen says at the same time

“Ugh.” Billy groans

“It’s been cleaned!” You defend, “I promise.”

Stephen looks back and suggests, “Wouldn’t touch that blanket though.”

“Gross.” Billy whines

“Oh, shut up.” Stephen rolls his eyes, “Would offer you my bed, but I doubt you’d find that any better.”

“Definitely not.” You snort, beginning to shuck corn on the other side of the sink, sharing the trash bag with Stephen

“Please don’t.” Billy begs

“You started it.”

“Hey, Bill?” Stephen asks

“Hm?”

“For what it’s worth… we’re glad you’re here.”

You smile softly to yourself, “Which is Stephen’s way of saying he’s glad you’re still here without revealing too much that he actually cares about you… a lot.”

“I know.” Billy smiles, “I love you both too.”

You watched out of the corner of your eye as Stephen quirked a little half-smile, quickly masking it with indifference. He also still hadn’t noticed the apron. He looked awfully cute all domesticated in his sweater and waist apron. What a sweet little housewife he made.

You were snuggled up in Stephen’s lap, him cradling your legs and holding your head against his shoulder as he talked and laughed with the other three. Dinner had been wonderful and warm and familial. Your little hospital family all sat around the coffee table in Stephen’s living room and laughed and ate together. Christine and Nic didn’t ask about Gavin… perhaps due to a text you sent about the situation before they arrived, or perhaps not. Who could really say? And now after dinner, stuffed full and perfectly content, you all laid around on the couches listening to music and just talking. About yourselves. Not the hospital, not tragedy, not Gray’s case— just your lives. You were feeling… very light and very sleepy. Five full glasses of wine will do that to a person. Stephen attempted to lean forward to grab his own glass— only his second, he’d been on his best behavior— and you whined, pouting up at him.

He gives something between a laugh and a scoff, “Pardon me, ma’am. I’m so sorry to inconvenience you.”

“Ah, it’s that time of the night, huh?” Christine teases, “Clingy girl comes out.”

“And she’s gone.” Billy adds

“N’I’m right here.” You say, “Wif, Stephy.”

“Oh, with Stephy, huh?” Nic chuckles, only laughing harder when he sees the blush that covers Strange’s cheeks

“Mhm.” You hum

“Have you ever considered maybe Stephy needs to move?”

Your pout got deeper and your eyes immediately welled with tears, looking up at Stephen. His heart could’ve imploded as he cradled your head back to his chest reassuring, “I don’t need to move, you’re alright.” He turns to look at Billy, “She’s been sensitive the last week, now is really not the time.”

“She has been, hasn’t she?” Christine muses, “What’s that about? She’s not preg—“

“Shit, I sure hope not after a whole bottle of wine!” Billy exclaims

Stephen starts at such an idea, “Christ, no she’s not pregnant, Christine— don’t say shit like that.”

You point lazily at Stephen, “Doesn’t wanna’ be daddy.”

‘Not quite like that.’ Stephen thought to himself

“Not at the moment, certainly not.” He huffs aloud in agreement

“Well, then what is it?” Christine prompts

Stephen hesitated before theorizing, “I think it’s her new anti-anxiety meds. They do not appear to be helping… at all.”

“I’s ‘posed to take that.” You murmur

“You need to take it now? I’ll go get it for you, Auggie.” Stephen asks and you shake your head on his shoulder, “Why not?”

“Left ‘em home.” You say

“Why’d you do that, Doll?”

“‘Cause I don’ like ‘em.” You whine, “Scary dreams. All the time. No sleep.”

Stephen’s brow furrowed, “You’re still having nightmares?”

“When did she start having nightmares?” Nic asks, “And is she saying the meds are what give them to her?”

“They do.” You insist

“They’re more like… terrors.” Stephen says, “She woke up in a cold sweat one night— they make her talk in her sleep, she normally doesn’t.”

“What are they about? Can you tell what she’s saying?” Christine asks

“Not really, it just sounds like she’s somewhere she doesn’t want to—“

“‘Bout rape.” You say very bluntly

The other four fall quiet at this. Very, very quiet. Three of the four are wide-eyed looking at each other to see who makes the first move.

When you try to continue, “‘Bout rape ‘cause—“

“Because that’s what you see for a living all day every day… yeah. Guess that will do it, huh?” Christine interrupts hurriedly, standing from her seat, “Auggie, Dear, let’s… let’s maybe go get you ready for bed, yeah?”

You cling tighter to Stephen, enjoying his embrace far too much to just let go, “But… Steph.”

“Stephen will be in super soon, okay? The other boys are gonna help him get stuff cleaned up and he’ll come lay with you, right, Stephen?” Christine prompts

Stephen’s mind was reeling. Was that what you’d been dreaming about that night? Had you been dreaming about it every night since then? And technically speaking… were you watching something from the outside or were you actually—

“Stephen!” Christine says more firmly

“Uh— um, yeah. Yes, Auggie, Doll? Go with Chrissy and let her help get you ready for bed. I’ll be there soon.”

You pull back and look up at him all teary-eyed, “Promise?”

“Yes, promise.” He agrees, ignoring the flush he can feel creeping up his neck. He was not used to you being this affectionate or needy in front of the others. Part of him loved it, while the other part was worried it made him look lovesick— as if Billy needed any more ammunition, “Go on.”

You placed a big kiss on his cheek before standing unsteadily from his lap. Stephen grabbed your hips to balance you and you giggled. Christine stifled a laugh at the look of pure shock on Stephen’s now very red face. He had not been expecting that smooch. She wrapped her arm through your own and started walking down the hall with you. The other two boys just sat there staring at Stephen, trapped between amusement at his state of discombobulation and fear that they were about to have to cover for your ass and all be on the same page as they made up the cover on the spot.

“So… Stephy?” Nic finally chokes out, bursting into a fit of laughter

“Ah— shut it.” Stephen gripes, sinking farther back into the couch cushions

“I mean… I don’t know what more proof you need than that, Stephen.” Billy chuckles to himself

“She’s drunk and she’s always over affectionate at this time of night anyways. It doesn’t mean anything.” Stephen objects

“Oh yeah…” Billy says, standing with a sigh, “Because people never say what they actually mean when they’re drunk.”

“Speaking of which, did she just say she’s been dreaming about—“

“Like Christine said…” Nic interrupts, “what would your nightmares be about if you’d been working SANE for five years? And especially with what’s been happening with Gray… she’s shaken. Exhausted and shaken. Her body is just trying to process. And if you really think those meds are what’s causing those dreams, we should probably talk to her about switching them over.”

“Yeah…” Stephen says, “Don’t think she’ll be… upset at the suggestion?”

“No, Stephen. She’ll like that you care enough to bring it up. You’re not just some rando, she knows you care about her. You knew she was on them in the first place, so clearly she trusts you with the information.” Billy reassures

“Exactly.” Nic agrees, “Now c’mon, everyone up. Let’s get this place in decent order so Stephy can go cuddle with the baby.”

“Bite me, West.”

Billy had just shuffled out the door when Stephen heard a, “The baby is in bed.” Christine looked frazzled as she came back out into the kitchen, “Are you sure you want her to stay here tonight? I could take her home—“

“Babe, we aren’t getting her away from him tonight.” Nic says, “She didn’t want to leave his arms, how do you think we’re gonna get her out the door? Much less into the car.”

“She doesn’t need to go anyways.” Stephen objects, “I’m not gonna try to—“

“Oh, Steph, no.” Christine says, placing a gentle hand on his chest, “Thought never even crossed my mind. She’s just… very… needy at the moment.”

“That’s alright.” He insists

Christine gives him a small smile, “You don’t mind too much, huh?”

Stephen returns the smile, “No. Not at all.”

She nods, “Still, if you need anything call, okay?”

“I will.”

“Good. You two enjoy your day off tomorrow.”

“Have a good night, Stephy.” Nic claps Stephen on the shoulder, helping Christine shrug on her jacket with one hand

Stephen glares at Nic but says, “Both of you get home safe. Good night.”

The door shut softly behind Christine and Nic, and Stephen locked the bottom lock and deadbolt. He normally didn’t bother, but always when you were in the house. He glanced toward the pile of dishes in the sink. He rolled up his sleeves and started washing things off, placing them in the dishwasher. He almost never hand-washed anything— though that seemed to be your preference. But honestly, Stephen was just trying to get stuff in and turn the thing on so he could get to you. He was halfway through the pile in the sink when he heard the floorboards creak behind him. A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“Doll?” He calls, not receiving an answer, “Did you get out of bed?” He shakes his hands off and dries them quickly on the towel, turning to face you

You stand in the hallway with a giant blanket wrapped around you, pouting at him like a disgruntled toddler, “Yeah.”

“Why’d you do that, Sweet Girl?”

“‘Cause I missed you. You din’t come to the bed.”

“I’m coming.”

“Now?”

“I need to finish putting the dishes away and I’ll be right there.”

“Now.” You repeat again, clearly not a question this time around

Stephen chuckles and makes his way over to you slowly, “You’re awfully bossy tonight, Little Girl.”

“But I need you t’come now.” You say drawing out the ‘o’

“Why’s that?”

“‘Cause I need you t’hold me.” You pout, holding out your arms

Stephen moves forward quickly, scooping you up in his arms and settling your legs around his waist. You give a little squeal and giggle, wrapping your arms around his neck tight. Stephen smiled into your shoulder… such a sweet little sound. You wrapped the blanket over Stephen’s back the best you could as he carried you to his room. You didn’t want him to be cold. You wanted him to be warm. He deserved to be warm and in bed with you.

“Don’ drop me.” You murmur against his shoulder

“Have I ever dropped you, Auggie?”

“No.” You admitted, “But you’re drunk.”

Stephen laughed at this, “Baby, you’re the drunk one.”

“Oh, yeah. I forget.” You hum out

“You don’t drink often, do you?”

“No. Only when I go see Bryce.” You grouch, “N’ he never lets me have more than three drinks. That’s not a whole lots. N’ he waters them down.” Stephen places you on the bed carefully and you pout up at him, “Where you goin’?”

“To put on some PJ’s so I can come cuddle with you. Is that alright, Princess?”

You preened like a happy cat when he ran his head over the top of your head and nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah.”

“Alright. Stay right there for me.”

You sat on the edge of the bed perfectly still, watching as Stephen walked over to his dresser. He shed his jeans and his sweater, turning away from you for proprieties sake. He heard some shuffling on the bed and glanced back to find you watching him intently, a silly little smile on your face. He flushed— God it was like he was in fucking middle school. He quickly pulled on a pair of flannel pajama pants and started making his way over to you.

“C’n I have my shirt?” You ask

“Your shirt?” Stephen asks, “Aren’t you wearing your shirt? I don’t remember ever owning anything with Taylor Swift’s face on it myself.”

“No, no, no.” You shake your head, “My shirt. My Victor shirt.”

Stephen stifled a laugh and repeated, “Your Victor shirt?” Stephen turned and dug through his shirt drawer briefly before holding up the Our Lady Peace band tee, “You mean my little brother’s shirt?”

“Yeah, that one.” You agree

“This is my shirt.” Stephen says firmly, but walks it over to you all the same, “You hear me?”

“I hear me.” You nod, snatching it from his hands. Stephen shook his head and turned while you shed your own shirt to trade it for his. When he went to turn off the overhead light you objected, “No! Big light, please.”

“Big light? To sleep?”

“Yeah…” You said shyly

“Doll, I can’t sleep with the overhead on. How about we turn on both of the lamps? Would that work?” You hesitated before giving a little huff and nodding your agreement, “Thank you.” He said, flipping off the light

After he turned on both of the lamps he walked over to your side of the bed and pulled back the covers gesturing you under. You crawled over, but sat up on your knees in front of him. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him forwardly quickly. Your lips were on his before he even realized what was happening. You gave a little whimper and pulled him closer, putting your hands in his hair. You loved his hair. Soft. So, so soft. Lips were soft also. Very good lips… good for kissing. Stephen smelled good too. He smelled good. He smelled like Stephen.

You loved Stephen.

When Stephen’s brain caught up with his body, he immediately brought his hands to your face and pulled you away gently, searching your eyes before whispering, “You’re drunk, Baby Girl. We can’t do that right now.”

You frowned, “But you wanted to fuck me at the Eiffel Tower.”

Stephen gave a little laugh, “No, not quite. Very close though.”

“M’kay so fuck me…“

“No, Augustine. Not right now, Doll.” He shook his head

“You don’ wanna’?” You asked, a trace of— was it desperation or sadness— laced in the words?

“I do. You know I do. But not when you’re drunk. Remember?”

“But y’know— I think it’s okay, because we’ve—“

“But that was at a different time, Auggie.” Stephen reminds you, “That was when we were something different.”

“Something different…” You repeat

“Yeah.”

“W-what are we now?” You ask quietly

“Friends.” His brows knit together, staring down at you softly

Your eyes welled with tears and you mimic, “Friends.” You hesitate for a moment before observing, “But— but friends don’t sleep together. We do— did. Since we aren’t that anymore.”

“No… no, I guess friends normally don’t sleep together.” Stephen agreed

“S’that why I can’t kiss you?”

“You can’t kiss me because you’re drunk and less than eight hours ago you told me we weren’t doing that today. And I would feel very bad if I let you kiss me now when that’s not what you wanted sober.” Stephen explains to you gently

You let out a shaky sort of breath and a tear rolled down your cheek as you whispered, “I wish you’d kiss me more.”

“I’m sorry, Baby. I can’t right now.”

You shake your head in his hands, “I don’ mean right now.”

Stephen’s breath caught in his throat, “Well—“

“I mean all th’time. Any time.” You explained, “Just ‘cause you wanted to. Just ‘cause I want you to.”

Stephen’s heart thundered in his chest, but he closed his eyes and reminded himself just as much as you, “You’re drunk, August.”

“But I mean it.” You insisted

Stephen rests his forehead against your own and realized just how wet his palms were against your face. When he opened his eyes to meet yours he was met with the sight of tears running rivers down your cheeks. Your eyes were lost in a storm of hazel color; green and brown and gold, his own eyes reflected back at him in your iris. He ran his thumbs under your eyes to wipe away the tears, but more took their spot just as quickly. The tip of your nose was pink and you sniffed harshly. He searched your eyes for a long time, but neither of you said anything. And he relished in it— the silence, those four words all that existed between you two— that and the exchanged air.

“I mean it, Stephen.”

He nodded slowly, his heart breaking as he said, “Then tell me that tomorrow morning, okay? I swear, if you tell me tomorrow morning, I’ll kiss you. I’ll kiss you to make up for all the times you wanted me to. I’ll kiss you to make up for every time I’ve wanted to… just because.”

You nodded quickly, “‘Kay. I will. I’ll tell you in the morning.”

“Good.” He nods back, trying to fight away the tears welling in his own eyes

You take in another shaky breath and admit, “I wish you’d have told me again in the morning.”

Stephen paused, “What?”

“You— you said you liked me th-than more as a friend some days. I wish you’d said it again.”

“When?” Stephen’s brows tensed and you smiled weakly at the little bump, reaching up to soothe it away with your thumb

“You told me when you were like me.” You try to explain, “When I wouldn’t let you kiss me ‘cause you were like me.”

When he was like you?

Drunk?

But what— oh. Oh, that first night.

Stephen squeezed his eyes shut and sighed, “That’s what you said I didn’t mean.”

You nod, “Din’t mean it, s’okay. I understand.” You try again, “B-but I mean it. N’ so I’ll tell you again in th’mornin’.” A tear escaped from the inner corner of Stephen’s eye and you reached up to wipe it away clumsily asking, “Why are you sad? Is it ‘cause… should I not tell you—“

“Please, Augustine.” Stephen begs, “Pl— do what I didn’t. Tell me again in the morning. Please.”

He knew he’d have better luck asking you to lend him a thousand dollars tomorrow morning. He knew this would all fade away into your sleep, and you’d wake up terribly hungover, not a word of the conversation remembered. But for right now… for right now he’d let himself believe you’d still feel this way when the morning came.

“Will it make you less sad?”

He gives a choked sort of laugh, “Yeah, Baby. Yeah, it will.”

“I will.” You promise again, “N’ then you can kiss me. And we can both not cry anymore.”

“That sounds nice, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“But we gotta’ go to sleep if you’re ever gonna’ wake up and tell me tomorrow, right?” Stephen prompts, “You gotta’ lay down and let me tuck you in. Gotta’ come cuddle up next to me. I’ll hold you all night. And you can wake up in my arms and roll over and tell me you want me to kiss you.” Stephen ran a shaking hand gently over the top of your head, trying to see you through the tears glazed over his eyes, “You tell me and I’ll kiss you.”

“You will?” You double-check, sniffling to try and clear the tears in your eyes and your runny nose

“Promise.”

“‘Kay.”

You sit back and move carefully to the head of the bed, pushing your legs under the comforter and laying down. Stephen pulled it and the blanket at the foot of the bed over you, turning and taking in a deep breath, running a hand under his eyes to try and dry the rest of his tears. He walked around to his side of the bed and settled, and you waited patiently until he held his arms out to you. You smiled and rolled over to meet him halfway, immediately burying your face in his chest.

“M’sorry if I snot on you.”

Stephen gave a great laugh and simply pulled you closer, teasing, “You’re so gross.”

You give a little giggle and apologize, “M’sorry.”

“That’s alright.” He exhales slowly, “You sleep good, okay?”

“I will. Hope I have a good dream.”

“I bet you will.”

“Good. Hope you have good dreams too.”

“Thanks, Doll.”

“G’night, Steph.”

“Good night, Auggie.”

Stephen sighed, turning to stare at the ceiling. He ran his hands over your back, feeling as you wiggled about trying to get comfortable. About twenty minutes of silence followed before he felt you settle: your breathing evening out, your body going lax against his own, little hands wrapped around his neck still tangled in his hair. He took in a deep breath before releasing it, tears streaming down his face and neck. Stephen didn’t know when the last time he’d cried like this was, and he could have done without crying like this ever again. But his chest fucking ached, his heart felt like it was tearing in two— he couldn’t think, he could only feel.

He turned slowly and pulled you closer. Closer and closer and closer, and it wasn’t fucking enough. He dug one hand into your hair and buried his face in the top of your head. He grasped roughly at the shirt you wore— his shirt— balling it up and dragging you closer. Closer and closer and closer. And it would never be enough, not like this. And Stephen would have never thought another person could make him feel like this. No one had ever been able to break him like this, and he was so mad that you had. But still, he’d do the whole night over again just to hear you tell him one more time… you meant it. He’d never cared if he meant anything to anyone, never cared if anyone meant anything to him.

But then there was you.

And how could he ever not care about you?

“I’d kiss you anyway if I wasn’t afraid.” He whispered to your sleeping form, “There’s a lot I’d do with you if I weren’t afraid, Augustine.” Stephen lets out a deep sigh, “I wish I weren’t scared. There’s a lot I wish I weren’t for you.” You shifted a little and Stephen held his breath until you settled again, “I— I think there’s some stuff we gotta’ figure out, Doll.” He swallows hard and lies to himself, “I think I’ll tell you in the morning.”

You woke up to the feel of soft sunlight on your face. You immediately groaned, a pounding headache setting in. You eased open your eyes and were immediately met with the sight of a glass of water and a bottle of painkillers. You smiled internally at the gesture, the physical act feeling like way too much effort for the time being. You recognized that Stephen wasn’t in the bed with you, though that was probably for the best. You just knew you looked like a wreck. You gave yourself ten minutes before shuffling out of the bed and going into the bathroom— you forced yourself to puke to get out whatever remnants of last night’s drinking escapades remained. You peed and rinsed your mouth out with water and went back to the bedside table, downing three ibuprofen with your water.

Lazily you drug yourself into the kitchen, pausing when you saw two suitcases sitting by the island. Stephen was leaning over the counter, writing something out on a piece of paper.

“Good morning.” He bolted upright and immediately threw his hands over the paper, crumpling it up in his fist and you smiled, “Whatcha’ doin? I thought I told you no Paris?” You gestured to the luggage at his feet

He gives a weak half smile, “Yeah— no. No Paris… just… I’m headed to California for the next two weeks.”

“The next two weeks?” You repeat, a twinge of disappointment in your tone

“Basson— Kohl had an availability much earlier than he thought. And… well, I’m gonna need a lot more of his help than I’d care to admit. He’ll be my second in command, it only makes sense to be over there while we parse things out.” Stephen rushes out and holds up the piece of paper he had been scribbling on, “I was gonna leave a note, but… you’re awake.”

You watched as Stephen tore the note into little pieces and threw them in the trash can and nodded, “Alright, well… let me get my stuff and I’ll—“

“You can stay.” He says, “I was gonna leave these too… just… if you needed to be somewhere that wasn’t your apartment.” He drops his house keys on the counter, “Just no house parties… or whatever the kids are doing these days.” He drops the pen he’d been using into one of the junk drawers and continues, “But there’s a whole bunch of food in my pantry and fridge that’ll go bad in the next two weeks… figured you could make good use of it.”

You nod slowly, “Right… you want me to be here when you’re not?”

“I don’t see why not.” He mutters, refusing to meet your eyes

“Stephen…” You take a step toward him, “Are you alright? You seem… a bit out of it.”

“I’m fine. Good. Just didn’t sleep well. Had a bad dream. Been up for hours.”

You frown, “I’m sorry… you must’ve taken mine. First night I haven’t had one in weeks.”

“Well worth it then.” He offers a weak smile, “I uh— back in two weeks, like I said. Then two more full weeks of work and we fly to Georgia for your birthday. We’re leaving that Friday and not coming home until Tuesday… Christine somehow worked it out with Ricky, don’t ask me how. Guess we shouldn’t expect Gavin to be there now—“

“Awe, shit. I didn’t even think about that. I can pay you back for—“

Stephen shakes his head, “No need, you’ll see.” He pats his pockets checking for his car key and drops it on the counter, “Leaving the Huracán here too. You are not permitted to drive her.”

“Not even in an emergency?”

“What emergency is there that you need to drive my car for and not Daisy?”

“What if Daisy spontaneously combusts?”

Stephen gave a grunt, “As likely as that is, I regret to say that if Daisy spontaneously combusts, you may drive the Huracán.”

“Understood.” You beamed up at him

Stephen forced himself to look away from your smiling face, instead checking his carry-on one last time, “Alright, I really need to get going— already running behind.”

You nod, “Okay. Sorry if I was awful last night…” You say shyly, “I know I can get pretty annoying—“

“You were fine. Just needed some cuddles.” He gives a strained laugh, “Anyways, I’ll be going now. Just make sure you lock the door when you leave and when you’re here alone— if you’re here alone, no pressure.”

“I will.” You step forward and stand on your tiptoes, pressing a kiss to his cheek, hoping maybe it’ll calm him down just a bit

Stephen freezes in place and looks at you wearily, “What was that?”

“A goodbye kiss?”

“A goodbye kiss.”

“Yeah. Why not?”

He cracks a half smile and mumbles, “Just ‘cause?”

You shrug, “Yeah… just ‘cause.”

Stephen’s heart gave a small pull. Not exactly the ‘just because’ he’d been hoping for, but a ‘just because’ nonetheless.

He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on your opposite cheek, pulling away and watching your cheeks flush as he returns, “Just ‘cause.” You nod shyly, “I’ll see you in two weeks, Auggie. Stay safe, do good work, if you need anything call and let me know.”

“Okay.” You agree, “Be safe, Sweetheart.”

“I’ll be back here in one piece this time in two weeks.” He promises

“You better be or else my family is gonna think I made you up.”

“Well, as tempting as that is…” He smiles down at you softly, “I’d like to meet your Mom.”

Your heart flutters, “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Stephen swallowed hard.

‘Just do it.’ He begged himself, ‘Kiss her now. Kiss her just because you want to.’

But he didn’t.

He grabbed his bags and popped up the handles, starting toward the door, “I’ll see you soon, Doll.”

“See you soon, Stephen.”

He gave you one last smile before walking out the door, letting out a deep breath. He’d have plenty of time to think about this on the plane. Plenty of time to text Donna. Plenty of time to talk to himself. He’d make a plan and when he saw you again in two weeks he would tell you.

And he’d spend however long you’d let him kissing you… just because.

tag list: @iamsherlocked1479 @aphroditesdilemma @avahiddlestonstan @yuu-chan-is-still-a-student12 @clairecroft @veryladyqueen @jyessaminereads @anadlockfan @lokislov3 @strangeobsessed @just-going-through-the-motions @nobelievers @rookiemartin @azu21 @faithinhome @mysticalmayhem1930 @lokidokieokie @couldntbedamned @xaaalem

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whore4sherlockholmes · 1 year

Text

Then There Was You 30: Dr. I’ve-Never-Caused-Trouble-A-Day-In-My-Life

Pairing: Neurosurgeon!Strange x Fem!Nurse!OC

Snippet: Stephen was more than happy to shut the door and forget the whole interaction ever happened. You said your piece and the guy was leaving.

That was until Stephen heard him mumble under his breath, “Fat fucking bitch… waste of my time anyways.”

Warnings: Explicit language, struggles with anxiety/depression, discussion of weight/size, drinking, mentions of physical abuse, physical violence, brief mention of blood.

Word count: 8,314

Reading time: ≈ 30 mins.

Chapter 30/41

A/N: Okay… so Stephen serves Dobermen, while Kelley is serving Golden Retriever. Billy is a Chow Chow… like looks super sweet but will bite you without remorse, and Gavin is a Husky just talking shit. Nic is giving Bernese Mountain Dog— like he looks scary from some angles— but that’s just a baby. And what is Christine? Trick question— Christine is not a dog— she’s a Persian cat. My question to you: What kind of dog/cat is Augustine?

My opinion? She is a feral raccoon someone found in their dumpster and domesticated.

If you want to be tagged in updates say so in the comments! Happy reading <3

You were currently sitting curled up on the couch, staring at nothing just as you had intended. Your conversation with Bryce had been somewhat productive— an outside view, another human’s perspective. He helped you see it wasn’t as bad as you’d made it out to be. And also forced you to acknowledge your feelings for Stephen. And you’d made up your mind.

You would end the arrangement.

Bryce had been very weary about letting you out of the bar on your own— apparently— three drinks in were too many for his liking, but you promised you were more than okay, and after walking in a straight line and kicking his ass in pool, he let you go. He gave you his number and told you that if you ever needed someone to listen, he’d be there. You thanked him and set off to get home, arriving at about three and settling into the same spot you’d been in for three hours now. And it was so quiet. And you were alone like you wanted, but it didn’t make you happy.

There was a knock at the door that you barely registered, and even when you did, you decided to leave it be. But then it came again… and again. With a huff you rolled off of the couch and stalked over to the door, cracking it open just wide enough to see who was on the other side.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

“Let me in?”

You opened the door and Stephen stepped into your entryway, closing the door softly behind him. He pulled his hand from behind his back and produced a bouquet of red roses. Your heart should have fluttered, but it only ached at the gesture.

“I heard— I thought you could use something nice after the day you had…” Stephen explains gently, “They didn’t have any with babies’ breath, or I’d have gotten that.”

You give a small smile and reach out to take the bouquet, giving a quiet, “Thank you.”

Stephen gave you a once over and then held out his hand. You shifted the bouquet in your arms and held out the one with the stitches. He gently rolled up the sleeve of your sweatshirt and unwrapped the bandage. He tutted at it and pulled you toward the kitchen, taking the roses and setting them on the counter while turning on the water. He kept his hand under it, waiting for it to warm up a bit.

“I don’t have any disinfectant.” You mumble

“Not very nurse of you.” He replies

“I know…”

“That’s alright. We’ll just run some water over it and let it breathe. That okay?” You nod in response and Stephen is quiet for a minute longer before he asks, “Are you alright? I didn’t know there was a rumor going around…”

You shrug, “It is what it is, right? Serves me right.” You give a weak laugh, “Augustine the SANE nurse.”

“I think just Augustine works…” He breathes out, “And that’s not what they’re calling you. They’re calling you ‘The Future Mrs. Strange.’ You opened up a whole new category.”

“God, I’m gonna throw up.”

He rolls his eyes, “Awe, thanks. I thought it was pretty impressive. You’re really pushing the boundaries of what my women are.”

“I’m glad you think it’s funny.” You grouch

“I think it’s funny how upset it made you.” Stephen says boldly, “I mean— shit. They could’ve called you a whore and I think you’d have been happier with that title.” You glare up at him and he only smiles in response, “I talked to HR. They have been informed there is nothing between us, as well as the misconception of the rumors. I was only taking off your sweatshirt to get to the cut, right?” You bite into your bottom lip and nod and Stephen presses on, “You’re okay, Auggie. Your job is sound as it ever has been.”

You give a small sigh of relief but still complain, “So not at all?”

“It was fine before the aneurysm.”

“It could have been fine after the fact—“

“No.” Stephen interrupts, pulling your arm under the water, “It couldn’t have been. Because you need to take time to recover. You need to give yourself time to heal. And if you’d stop being so stubborn about the situation, you’d see that. Stop trying to take on more than you need to handle, Augustine. I have no doubt you can, but that doesn’t mean you should have to. You get that, right? I don’t know why you think you need to be running wide open less than a week after brain surgery, but you have got to cut it out. Do you understand?”

You swallow hard and nod up at him, “Yes, sir.”

Stephen watches as your eyes fill with tears and he sighs. Without a word, he wraps his arms around your shoulders. You tense for a moment before your uninjured arm comes around him. You bury your face in his chest and immediately a choked sob forces its way from your throat. Stephen cringes at the sound. He hates that you’re hurting. He rests his chin on top of your head and wraps his arms around you more firmly. Your hand grabs at his sweatshirt and he presses a kiss to the top of your head. Your body shakes as he shushes you quietly. Your head aches and you feel weak. A week of putting next to nothing in your body will do that to you. You know that and hate yourself for doing that to you.

“Please tell me what’s wrong.” Stephen begs, “Let me help. I’ll try. I’ll do whatever I can.”

You shake your head against his chest, “You c-can’t, Stephen. It’s not you. It’s all in my head. It’s all… it’s just me.”

He nods, “Is it your anxiety?” You give a little nod, “Is that all it is?” You shake your head, “What else is it, Doll?”

You take in a deep breath and force out, “I miss my mama and my aunt and uncle, and my— my da—“

Another knock at the door interrupts you. Always.

Something always interrupts you.

Stephen turns off the sink and nods to the door expectantly. You knit your brows together but obediently walk back down the hallway to the door. You open it and find Christine and Nic standing there with eight boxes of pizza in hand. You give a little laugh at the scared look on Nic’s face and immediately throw your arms around his neck. He gives a sigh and hugs you back the best he can with two boxes of pizza in each hand. You turn to Christine and the tears immediately start again. She gives Nic the other four boxes and wraps you in a hug.

“I’m sorry.” You say

“Me too.” Christine agrees, “And for the record— if you haven’t figured it out— everything I said was total bullshit.”

“But I should have never spoken to you like that.”

She nods, “No. And I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that either.”

You give a little shrug, “Well… you were right about some of it at least.”

Christine pulls away and looks at you seriously, wondering just which part she had gotten right. She wants to ask, wants to know if you’ve decided something different about your relationship with Stephen. But Stephen is already inside, and Nic is standing right behind her, and she knows she won’t get a real answer from you like that. You release Christine and pull both her and Nic inside, leading them into the kitchen. Stephen stands leaning against the counter with his hands shoved in his sweatshirt pockets. You give a smile, a much more natural one than as of late, and he smiles back.

Christine looks at the roses on the counter and teases Stephen, “Nice touch.”

“Only the best for the future Mrs. Strange.” Stephen jokes

You jab him gently in the side and shove him out of the way to grab a vase from under the counter declaring, “Gonna have to do a bit better than a bouquet for that, bud.”

He snorts, “This coming from the girl who’s never owned any real jewelry before.”

“I could have a room full of diamonds back home.” You grouch

“Do you?” He asks, watching as you fill the vase halfway with water

“No.” You shrug, “But I could.”

Nic smiles down at you, “I think I know a girl who can help if you’re looking to start buying.”

Christine gasps, “Are you? We can make a whole day of it.”

“Chrissy, I’m not blowing a year’s worth of rent on a necklace. I have a farm to take care of.”

“Mm… boring.” She says, hopping up on the counter and forcing Nic in front of her, wrapping him in her arms

“Financially responsible.” Nic corrects for you

“Thank you, Nic.”

“You’re welcome, Dear.”

You place the roses on the bar counter so they’ll get sun through the window in the morning.

You then look at the pizza boxes and comment, “That is a lot of pizza for four people.”

“Who said it was just us four?” Stephen asks, taking Christine’s duffle bag and walking down the hall to the guest room

“Billy and Gavin?” You ask Christine hopefully, who just shrugs and pretends not to know

You put the pizza boxes in the oven and open the fridge to offer Christine and Nic drinks, but at that moment, there’s another knock on the door. You scurry into the entryway and throw open the door to find Billy and Gavin, arms full of drinks— alcoholic and otherwise. You giggle and gesture them into the apartment. Stephen smiles to himself hearing your laugh float through the halls. He turns on the TV and finds your music app, choosing your ‘recent favs’ playlist, and a song called ‘Gorgeous’ by Taylor Swift is the first song to come on.

Christine gasps, “This is one of my favorites from the new album!”

“I know, right?” You agree, crushed in a hug between Billy and Gavin, “This one and ‘Delicate’ are my favorites.”

“I like ‘Dress.’” Gavin adds, “That song is sexy.”

“The whole album is a tale of sexy homicide.” You say

“I’m sorry, what?” Stephen laughs

“That is an oddly accurate description.” Billy reaffirms, “Taylor Swift and Harry Styles killed someone and then had good sex.”

“That’s the kid from the boy band, yeah?” Nic asks

“Even I know that one.” Stephen snorts

“He’s a little behind on his pop culture.” Christine pats Nic’s cheek, “He still thinks ‘Fast and Furious’ is the best movie series of all time.”

“Oh, so he’s right?” Stephen says

You scoff, “You two are such boys.”

“What is it then?” Stephen asks

“Uh— ‘Star Wars,’ duh.”

Stephen groans, “Cliché.”

There’s another knock on the door as Billy and Gavin start to add their input, Billy talking over him claiming none of his votes count because they’re all foreign films no one has ever heard of. You raise an eyebrow to Stephen who just shrugs and nods to the door with a small smile on his face. You run over to the door and open it, immediately screeching when you see who’s behind it.

“Kells!” You throw yourself into his arms and he stumbles back before catching himself, giving a great laugh

“Auggie Girl! I thought I’d gotten rid of you for a bit longer than this.”

“How are you—“

“Got a call from the Doctor. Said he could use some backup.” He holds you as he walks back through the apartment, “Looks like he already has a whole army, ain’t so sure what he needs me for.” Kelley takes in the new faces in your kitchen and gives a one-armed wave, “Hey y’all.”

Stephen comes up behind him and shakes his hand, “You’re the big guns. Thought we might need it.”

“Can I put you down and say hello to everyone else?” Kelley asks, to which you shake your head dramatically, making your grip around his neck and waist tighter. He chuckles and tucks your head into the crook of his neck and walks over to Christine and Nic, “Kelley Kavanaugh. Nice to meet you, ma’am.” He touches the front of his ball cap in greeting Christine, “Nice to meet you, sir.” He holds out his hand to Nic who shakes it, smiling when he sees the smile on your face

“Christine Palmer and Nic West.” Nic says in return

“You didn’t tell me she was this gorgeous, Auggie.” Kelley grins, watching Christine blushes furiously, “Nice catch, Doc.” Kelley claps Nic on the shoulder and turns to Billy and Gavin with his hand outstretched, “Billy and Gavin?” He guesses

Billy nods and takes his hand, “Yes… M’Billy.” Billy stumbles out looking a bit star-struck

Gavin ’tsks’ and takes Kelley’s hand from Billy, “You’ll have to excuse him. He gets a bit awkward around beautiful men and women.”

Billy shushes Gavin, swatting him on the shoulder and blushing furiously.

“I’m starting to think Billy has a thing for blondes…” Stephen theorizes, looking between you, Kelley, and Gavin

“Don’t worry, Doctor.” Gavin smiles brightly, “I prefer my men tall, dark, and handsome.”

You snort into Kelley’s ear, regretting you can’t see Stephen’s reaction. Stephen gives a bit of a sigh and flushes, rubbing the back of his neck. Christine giggles into Nic’s shoulder and Nic holds back a laugh of his own.

“Billy is only two of those.” You point out

“Uh— hey!” Billy objects, “I am average height for a male in the United States. It’s not my fault the rest of these guys— well, no. Nic is short too.”

“Excuse you?” Nic asks, “Why’d we go from average height to short once you realized we’re the same height?”

Instead of answering, Billy turns to start putting drinks in the fridge. Christine gives a fake pout and places a kiss on Nic’s now grumpy-looking face. You laugh and immediately object with a whine when Kelley goes to put you down.

“How old are you?” Kelley asks, “I need to put you down so I can get my bag out of the hallway.”

“Well, why did you leave it there?” You pout

“Uh— maybe because someone launched herself into my arms?” He poses

You sigh and allow him to set you on the counter next to where Stephen stands. Stephen wraps his arm around your waist and you lean into his touch, resting your head against his shoulder.

“I would’ve called your mom too, but I didn’t have her number on hand.” Stephen whispers

You smile and shake your head, “I wouldn’t want her to see me like this…” You turn on the counter so Stephen stands between your legs and sit up straighter to press a kiss to his cheek, “Thank you, Stephen.”

Billy has to stifle a laugh at the blush that blooms on the Doctor’s face. Stephen seems to stutter out a few words to you as you smile up at him. A real smile. Your smile. Christine slides off the counter and takes the pizza boxes out of the oven, stacking them on top of each other. Kelley comes back in with his duffle slung over his shoulder and throws it rather unceremoniously onto the couch in the living room. He turns and his face lights up seeing all the pizza laid out on the counter.

“Two cheese, two pepperonis, and four meat lovers.” Christine lists off, “And that garlic stuff that you and Nic like, Auggie.”

You give a small nod and eye the pizza boxes wearily. Kelley and Stephen trade some sort of knowing glance and Stephen immediately walks over to the boxes, grabbing two slices of the meat lovers’ pizza and putting them on a plate. He walks back over to you and holds the plate out, eyeing you expectantly. Everyone else begins to grab their pizza as well and you just stare at the two slices being presented to you.

Kelley comes up next to Stephen and whispers, “If you think I won’t call Mama and tell her you haven’t eaten in… how many days did you say it was, Doctor?”

“Three.”

“Three days— and that’s what we know of— you’re dead wrong. Eat, Augustine.” Kelley demands in a hushed tone, no pleading in his voice, just a firm command

You scowl at Stephen, “You told him I wasn’t eating?”

“Yep.” He pushes the plate farther forward, “But we’re about to fix that, right?”

You take a piece of pizza from the plate and take a small bite. Kelley gives a nod as if to say ‘continue’ before walking away to make his own plate. Stephen watches as you slowly eat the first piece of pizza, setting the plate in your lap and taking the second slice for himself. He eats with you, pacing himself with your bites. He figured maybe it’d be nice to have someone to eat with, to show you it’s okay.

“It’s good.” You murmur, “Thanks.”

He nods, “You’re welcome.” And adds on, “You have to eat, Auggie. You know that.”

“I know.” You agree, “It’s just… hard some days.”

Stephen nods, “I am more than happy to come to eat with you whenever you need it. You can teach me how to cook something, yeah?”

“You’re a grown man, you should know how to cook.” You roll your eyes

“Exactly, it’s about time somebody taught me.” He smiles down at you

“Your Mama never taught you?”

Stephen shrugs, “We were sort of traditional. The guys did all the labor, the ladies kept up with the household.”

“So Donna knows how to cook?”

“Donna could burn water.”

“You can’t burn water.”

“I know.” He says, eyes wide, “She’s an awful cook. Then again, Mom wasn’t really great at it either. There were a few things she made that were good, but it was mostly sub-par.”

“I’ll teach you to cook.” You agree

“Good. I’ll have something going for me aside from the god-like beauty.”

“Oh— confident after this afternoon are we?” You tease half-heartedly

Stephen’s smile falters and he clears his throat and gives an awkward sort of smirk, “No— not so much, actually.”

“Really?” You knit your brows together, “What happ—“

“Auggie!” Kelley calls from the living room, “Where the hell are the Xbox controllers, I wanna kick Gavin’s ass in Battlefront!”

You roll your eyes and give a huff, “Where are the Xbox controllers always, Baby?”

“Under the TV, but they’re not under the—“ Kelley stops midway and backtracks, “The side of the TV I looked under first.”

“Mhm.” You hum, rolling your eyes at Christine and mouthing, ‘Men.’

She rolls her eyes back and agrees. You turn and sit criss-cross on the counter to see the TV screen and Stephen puts another piece of pizza in your hand. You take it without objection and begin munching slowly once again, focusing more on the game and bickering about who gets to be what character. Stephen was grateful for the distraction so he didn’t have to reveal the little incident that had occurred in a room full of people— if Billy hadn’t already told Christine and Nic.

Oh, God.

Did Billy tell Nic that Stephen’s dick didn’t work?

An hour later you were laughing your ass off as Nic tried to gain an understanding of the controls in Battlefront, which were fairly standard, but he somehow kept confusing the crouch and run. After a few rounds, Christine very shyly asked if she could try, and immediately revealed she has a hidden talent for first-person shooters.

“What the hell?” Kelley grouches, “You hit me in the kneecap, how was that a one-shot?”

“I mean— it wouldn’t kill you IRL, but it sure would hurt long enough for me to kill you.”

“That is a horrifying thing to say to someone.” Billy points out

“She’s sleeping a few doors down from you tonight too.” Gavin warns, “Sounds like she’s plotting.”

“I am not plotting!” Christine argues, “I was just stating the facts.”

“Kelley, she beat your ass.” You laugh looking at the 24-11 kill ratio, “You let a little girl kick your ass at your favorite game.”

“You talk a whole buncha’ shit for someone sittin’ on her ass, not playin.’” Kelley challenges, “Come over here and beat me and you can keep running that mouth.”

Stephen watches as you and Kelley go back and forth for a few rounds, each of them ending in a near tie. And in Kelley’s defense, he is about four beers deep at this point, but you have won two of the three matches. The last round you hold an ‘L’ up on your forehead and give him a dramatic pout. You hand the controller over to Gavin, who Christine sits next to calling different shots for him.

“Didn’t know you play video games.” Stephen says when you come to stand next to him once more

You shrug, “I like shooters. Takes all your focus and funnels it into one thing.” You nod to the TV, “You should try.”

Stephen shakes his head, “I’m alright. I was never good at those kinds of games.”

“Oh? What games were you good at?”

He flushes a bit and murmurs, “Tetris… played a lot of Tetris. Chess. And uh— I like crosswords. I’m good at crosswords.”

You give a little smile to him, “Of course you are, you cheat and pull shit no one else would ever know out of your brain based on some news article you read when you were twelve.”

“It’s not cheating.” Stephen insists

“Did you even learn anything in med school or did you just memorize a bunch of shit?”

“That’s what learning is, stupid.” Stephen grumbles

You giggle and lean back into him without a second thought. Stephen gives a bit of a smile and wraps his arms over your shoulders. You don’t tense and his heart gives a sort of flutter.

“Is this okay?” He asks

You nod, “It’s just you, Stephen. It’s okay.”

“Good.” He says, resting his chin on top of your head, “Did you like your surprise?”

You nod, “A lot. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Doll. He’ll be here until late Wednesday night.”

You shake your head and look up at him, “He can’t be. He has to be at the farm with Mama—“

“We took care of it.” Stephen reassures you, “He’ll be here with you. And when you need a break from him, my door is open.”

“I—“ You roll your lips together and look back toward the room filled with people, “Thanks…”

You’ll talk to him about it later. When everyone starts to unwind. Noting Kelley is a little low on beer, you remove yourself from his arms and go to the fridge. You grab two bottles and show the room your little bottle cap trick. Kelley calls you a show-off and kisses your cheek as you hand the beer over to him. You pop the other off on the coffee table and bring it back over to Stephen. He takes it from you and complies, taking a swig. Billy stands from the recliner and goes to sit in between Nic’s legs on the floor, gesturing you over to the recliner.

You push Stephen in that direction, “Go take a sit. You’ve been standin’ since you got here.”

Stephen nods in agreement but pulls you along with him, complaints erupting from Kelley and Christine as you both walk in front of the TV screen. Stephen sits down in the chair, and without another thought pulls you down with him, popping out the footrest, almost knocking Billy in the head, who slaps his shin in retaliation. Stephen just chuckles and sits still as you squirm around to get comfortable. When you do settle, he pulls the blanket from the back of the chair and tucks it around you tight. You rest your head on his chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heart, your eyes fluttering open and closed. You aren’t tired, you’re just absolutely at peace.

For the first time in months.

“Okay, I’m tired of watching Kelley get his ass kicked at this game.” Gavin says, “Can we please watch a movie?”

“What kind of movie should we watch?” Nic asks, already wrestling the controller from Kelley’s hand despite his protests

Like two little kids fighting over the remote, really. You wonder if Nic has any siblings? You’d have to ask him some time because right now, he is serving serious older brother energy.

“Disney.” Stephen suggests

“Horror.” You answer at the same time

You pause and look at one another, a shy smile on each of your faces.

“What’s your favorite horror movie?” You ask

“‘The Evil Dead.’ It’ll make Chrissy throw up.” Stephen says, serving the redhead a pointed glance, “Disney is safer.”

“Gavin won’t watch Disney movies.” Billy says, “He’s a snob.”

“I am not a snob, I just don’t want to watch children’s movies.”

“Hey!” You whine in protest

“Sorry.” Gavin mumbles

“Well, we could watch—“ Nic starts

“We aren’t watching Fast and Furious, Nic.” Christine interrupts, making Nic slouch father into the couch

“Rom-com it is.” Kelley decides for the group, and when there are no objections he pulls up the rom-com section on Netflix

“How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days!” You suggest immediately

“Oo, that is a good one.” Nic agrees

“Seen it a million times.” Christine complains

“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World?” Stephen asks

“Ugh— awful taste in rom-coms, I see.” You scrunch up your nose at him

“Pretty Woman!” Kelley exclaims, met with a resounding ‘yes’ from you, Billy, Gavin, and Christine

You look up at Stephen who shrugs, “Never seen it.”

“Me either.” Nic agrees

“Again. You two are such boys.” Christine gripes

“It’s a good one, you’ll like it.” You reassure Stephen, “Hooker and billionaire fall in love, what’s not to like?”

Stephen raises a brow at you and teases, “Looking to live out that fantasy?”

You scoff and jab him in the side lightly, “Hush up. You ain’t no billionaire no how.”

“No. Couple million off from that, I admit.”

“Well shit, I feel a lot less bad about taking that flight you offered now.” Kelley mutters, while Christine giggles and pats his cheek in consolation, “Now everyone shut up and watch the movie!” Kelley exclaims, kicking his feet up on the coffee table and pretending not to see you scowl at the action before he finally takes off his boots and puts his feet back up

And the seven of you all sat in comfortable silence watching the movie. You and Stephen kept trading little whispers and comments on the film to make the other laugh, which seemed to be driving Gavin crazy, as at one point he swiftly took the pillow from behind his back and chucked it right at Stephen’s face. Stephen sent him a glare while Billy doubled over in silent laughter, his shoulders shaking and Augustine giggled into his chest. Augustine’s laugh made the abuse to his face worth it. About three-quarters of the way through the movie there was a knock at the door.

You immediately looked to Stephen who said seriously, “That one isn’t my doing.”

You wiggled off the recliner before anyone else could jump up to get the door and made your way to the door quickly. When you pulled it open this time, you were met with instant dread. Turns out you weren’t just being silly after all.

“Hey, Sweetie.”

“Oh, Jesus. Uh— hey, Johnny.” You smile up at him awkwardly, “What— um… what’re you doing here?”

“Well, I never heard back from you after you said you got busy at work, and I figured I’d come check on you. Make sure you were okay?”

You give a small chuckle, “Yes, yeah. I’m fine. I just— I totally forgot to call you back, that was rude of me.”

He gives a confident smirk and grants, “I’ll let it slide.” At that moment there’s a quiet bout of laughter that floats down the hall from the living room and Johnny raises an eyebrow at you, “Am I interrupting something?”

“My friends came over to surprise me. They knew I’d been having a rough week—“

“Well, why don’t I come in and introduce myself?”

This shocked you back into your normal state of mind and you scoffed, “Did you just invite yourself into my home— which, by the way— I never gave you the full address of?”

He shrugs, “Called the building, told them I had a package addressed to an Augustine May with no door number, they gave me the door number.”

“That has got to be illegal.” You mutter, “Look—“

“Well, I don’t see what the issue is. We had a good time the other night didn’t we? Just let me in.” Johnny took a step as if to shove past you into the threshold of your home

You went to object, but before you could a stronger arm came over your head to rest on the edge of the door. You turned to find Stephen standing behind you, looking rather stoic and unimpressed. He held the door firmly in place, not letting the gap grow any wider as Johnny went to push on the door.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe she invited you in.” Stephen dead-panned, “Go ahead and take a step back for me.”

Johnny gives a tight-lipped smile to Stephen, “Nice to see you again, Mr. Strange.”

“Doctor.” Stephen corrects immediately, “Now take a step back.”

His voice has an edge to it that you’ve never heard before, and you’re not sure you like it. It’s laced with some low undercurrent of danger. And as well-built, as Stephen was, you weren’t so sure he was gonna take a fist to the face from this guy so well. Especially not three beers and three shots deep.

Billy’s doing.

“I think you missed the part where she invited me in.”

“No…” You object, “That’s not possible because that part never happened.”

Stephen couldn’t help but quirk a smile at your smart mouth, his hand coming to rest on your back.

“August, why don’t you come out here and we can talk about this in private?”

The door opens wider and Kelley comes to stand on the opposite side of you.

He looks down at you first and then directly at Johnny before deducing in his inebriated state, “Was this the shit date?”

“Yes.” Stephen replies for you

“And who the hell are you, man?”

“Her friend, who the hell are you?” Kelley fires back, always ready to go after a few drinks

He was the largest reason for the bar fights fought in your youth. Not you running the pool table. And Kelley never swung at a woman, ever. Never would. But the men he swung on or got hit by always seemed to have girlfriends. And if he wouldn’t hit them when they hit him, you sure as hell would.

“We’re dating.” Johnny replies as if it’s obvious

“Dude, we went on one bad date like three days ago. We are not dating.”

You watch as Johnny’s face falls and the tight smile he’d worn up until this point turns into a sneer. And then the door is pushed all the way open and Gavin stands behind Stephen and Kelley, the tallest of the three of them, his wingspan easily larger than the doorway which he casually leans in. You look back up at him and he looks down at you with his brows raised.

“We got a problem, Auggie?” Gavin glances back up and snickers, “Is this the guy who got sent back to his friends with his tail between his legs after you stole a hundred off of him? He was cuter in the bar light. You know? Dark.”

“Oo, a hundred?” Kelley asks, “Nice one, Auggie Girl.” He looks back to Johnny, “Gonna ask you again man, take a step back. Your foot is still on the threshold and the Doc already told you to move back once.”

“Who was cuter in the bar light?” Billy and Nic now both shove their way between the three behind you in the doorway each coming to stand on either side of you, Billy giving Johnny a once over and letting his shoulders slump to agree, “You’re right, he was.”

Johnny sneers at him, “I don’t swing that way.”

“No, obviously not, you’d be much more tolerable if you did…” Gavin replies, “At least, I hope so.”

“I think I’m now the third person asking you to take a step back, sir.” Nic speaks up

Johnny looks down at you and asks, “Got any more in there, whore?”

Billy is the first to react as Kelley goes to lunge at Johnny, grabbing his arms and pulling them behind his back with the help of Nic.

“Watch how you fucking talk to her, prick.” Kelley spits out

“Kind of a lame insult after we’ve already established two of them are gay.” You say, unamused

“You’re a bitch, you know that?” Johnny asks

“Walk me through how you got there.” You demand, “Because, honestly, after that date, I think I’ve been way too tolerant. Not to mention you showing up on my doorstep, without an address, uninvited, and then trying to force your way into my home is absolutely unacceptable.” You continue lecturing, “Also, when you take someone on a date, maybe just take a glance at the rating in the restaurant window. If it’s below an eighty-five, I think it’s best to reconsider.” You think a moment before admitting, “The flowers were sweet, though, I’ll give you that.”

“Better than you deserve.” Johnny grumbles taking a step back and turning on his heel to leave

Stephen was more than happy to shut the door and forget the whole interaction ever happened. You said your piece and the guy was leaving.

That was until Stephen heard him mumble under his breath, “Fat fucking bitch… waste of my time anyways.”

The force of the other four combined couldn’t have stopped Stephen from marching right out that door, spinning the guy around, and putting his fist straight into the guy’s face. And unluckily for Johnny not one of them moved to help you try and stop Stephen. Stephen had never hit anyone before in his life. He didn’t believe in violence, much less acting on it himself, but he was just drunk enough to give in to the temptation. And it hurt like a bitch. But the crack of the guy’s nose was oddly satisfying enough to distract from the throbbing in his hand.

And Stephen gave something like a laugh as Johnny threw out every curse in the book. Turning back to smile at the rest of you at the door. Which was a mistake because Stephen immediately felt a hand on his shoulder, spinning him back around. And he just braced himself for the blow as well as he could. Relaxing his face and accepting the fact that he had not been hit for the last time in his life at eighteen. He just closed his eyes and waited for the blow that never came. A different force grabbed Stephen around the waist, hard, and pulled him back with all their might. He heard the blow land, but it certainly wasn’t his face that had been hit.

Stephen opened his eyes and realized he had been shoved back into the arms of Billy and Gavin. In front of him was you, in the position he had formerly been caught in. Your hand cradled your face, the other hand held the wrist of the hand Johnny had hit you with. Your face twisted in a scowl, and for a moment— just a moment— Stephen was terrified of you. Stephen struggled to get away from Billy and Gavin. He was furious you had been hit, furious you had put yourself in the way of the shot. He could see that your lip was split and he wasn’t sure if you’d been punched or bitch-slapped, but it didn’t exactly make a difference to him either way.

Stephen Strange had murder on his mind at the moment.

You licked at your bottom lip and raised your eyebrows when you tasted the awful metallic flavor. You just raised your hand and wiped away the blood as if it were nothing.

Stephen struggled once more to get away from Gavin and Billy, wanting to get in another swing while the fucker looked dumb-struck by his actions. It was clear that Johnny hadn’t meant to hit you, but the forward moment of a swing is a hard thing to stop. It didn’t quell Stephen’s anger in the least, however. And all he could feel was being thirteen again, watching as his Dad back-handed Donna and not being able to do a damn thing about it. Kelley put his hand against Stephen’s chest and served him a smile that said, ‘watch this shit.’

You kept Johnny’s wrist in your hand and quickly brought your other to his shoulder before bringing your knee up to his crotch. Hard. Every man standing in the hallway groaned in sympathy as the guy fell to his knees on the floor. Well, everyone except Kelley who just gave a snort and grinned ear to ear like a psychopath.

You bent down and got in Johnny’s face hissing, “Don’t you ever try to fucking touch him again. Are we clear?” Johnny just stared at the ground and you growled, bringing your hand on his shoulder to his head and pulling his hair roughly to look up at you, “I asked if you understood me, asshole!” He winces and swallows hard, nodding fervently. You sneer and demand, “Apologize for trying to hit him.” You tilt his head to the side to look at Stephen and nod

Johnny looks like he’s going to throw up, whether from the pain or embarrassment, Stephen isn’t entirely sure, but he manages out, “I’m sorry, Mr—“

“Doctor.” You correct sharply

“I am sorry, Doctor Strange.” He breathes out

“Now apologize to me for what you said. The reason he hit you in the first place”

“I’m sorry, Augustine.”

“What are you sorry for?” You ask, moving your foot in between his legs, making him flinch

“I’m sorry for calling you fat… you aren’t.”

You give a dry laugh, “I am.” You say, getting down eye level again, watching as his pupils dilate and putting on a big fake pout, “And I’m still too good for you.” You let go of your hold on his hair and wrist and he immediately collapses to the floor in a pitiful-looking heap, breathless and pained, “If you show up at my door again, know I have no problem holding you at gunpoint until the cops arrive. They already know I don’t fuck around.”

You turn on your heel and gesture all the men back into the apartment with a huff. Christine is leaning on the doorframe, having scurried over to listen behind all of you when she heard Kelley shouting. She walked out into the hall and stood next to you with a bag of frozen vegetables in her hand. She tosses it directly at Johnny’s crotch and smiles when he gives another cry of anguish.

“For your dick.” She explains before grabbing your hand and taking you back into the apartment, locking the deadbolt and the chain lock before taking you into the kitchen

Stephen immediately walked up to you and took your jaw in his hand, tilting your head to the side, “Why the hell did you do that?” He scolds looking at the cut on your lip and reaching for the cool washcloth Nic had wet down for you

You scoff and laugh at the same time, “I could ask you the same thing! What the hell was that ‘Mr. I’ve-Never-Caused-Trouble-A-Day-In-My-Life?’”

Stephen gently presses the cloth to your lip and replies, “It’s ‘Dr. I’ve-Never-Caused-Trouble-A-Day-In-My-Life.’”

You smile up at him and push his hand away from your lip, “You’re an idiot.” You murmur affectionately, “And my lip is fine. How’s your hand?”

“Punching someone hurts.” Stephen notes

You giggle and Kelley laughs, “It was a good shot for it being your first, Strange.” He considers a moment before adding, “But for future reference, you never turn your back on the guy you just hit... rookie mistake.”

“I can’t believe you punched someone.” Christine laughs, her head a bit jumbled from all the excitement

“Me either.” Stephen admits as Christine picks up his hand and looks it over

“Wiggle your fingers.” Stephen does, “Hold it flat and steady.” He does that too, “Does it hurt?”

“I already said it did.”

“Okay, does it feel like anything is broken, smart-ass?”

“Would I know if it were?”

“You should.”

“Then I think I’m okay.” Stephen says

You go over to the fridge and pull the ice pack and its little pouch out of the freezer. You wrap it around Stephen’s hand carefully and look back to everyone else.

“Everyone else good?”

Everyone nods and you look around the room before bursting into a fit of laughter, doubling over and laughing so hard your stomach hurts. Kelley joins in, your laugh having always been infectious for him. The little snorts you make always sending him into his own fit of what you call ‘dad laughter’ in which he wheezes from laughing so hard. And then Billy was laughing at Kelley’s ridiculous laugh, and Nic started laughing at Billy crying, and Christine had never seen Nic laugh so hard in all her life that she burst into her own fit of giggles. And then Gavin and Stephen were laughing because of the insanity of the room around them. You clutch your stomach and fall to the kitchen floor very dramatically, hands over your face as you try to catch your breath, head aching from laughing so hard.

“What the fuck just happened?” You choke out, “What the actual fuck…” You point at Stephen, “You punched someone!”

“You made him apologize to me!” Stephen laughs out, leaning over you, “You scared the shit out of him.”

“I think that was just the smell of weed.” You croak out, making Stephen laugh harder

He reaches down and hauls you off of the floor, pulling you to his chest.

“Christine threw a bag of veggies at his dick.” You inform as Stephen wipes under your eyes, and the statement sends Gavin into another thorough fit of laughter

“He deserved it!” Christine exclaims

“He did, he did.” Kelley agrees, “Didn’t think you’d have it in you, Red.”

“Well— I’m not as big and bad as the rest of you, but I can play my part when the time comes!”

“Oh, God…” You groan, looking up to the ceiling, “I feel seventeen again.”

“Twenty-two is the last time you hit a guy where it hurts like that.” Kelley argues, “Nashville, the guy who grabbed the girls’ ass—“

You wave him off, “Yeah, yeah. Twenty-two, but let me feel younger.”

“Seventeen it is.” Billy agrees for you, “God, you really hit him hard.”

“Yeah, well he hit me hard!” You defend

“You might’ve taken away his chances at reproduction.” Nic adds

“Men like him don’t need to reproduce. She did the world a favor.” Gavin sneers

Silence falls over the kitchen as you all brace yourselves on the countertops and try to gain control of your breathing. Kelley comes over to you and tilts your head back and forth looking at the cut on your lip.

“Super glue?”

“Uhm— somewhere in the top of the laundry closet with the tape and nails and all that.”

“Super glue?” Nic asks, “What for?”

“If you’re in the room and have a medical degree, look away.” Is all Kelley offers in response, “Auggie, put some soap and water in it.”

You walk over to the sink and run the water until it’s warm, fumbling around under the kitchen sink for the unscented disinfectant soap. You carefully work it over the cut, not feeling that it’s as bad as everyone is making it seem. Stephen grabs the washcloth once more and turns you toward him, agreeing that it should at least be washed out. He’s gentle with you, treating you softly with barely there touches and tenderness like Billy had seen a hundred times in the OR, but never with the same look of care on his face.

Stephen may not know how he feels about you, but Billy was pretty certain he had it figured out.

“Rubbing alcohol?” Kelley calls from somewhere in the house

“Under the guestroom sink!” You call back

“You said you didn’t have disinfectant.” Stephen says, raising a brow at you

You stick out your swollen lower lip in a little pout, “It’d hurt.”

“Oh, but it’ll be so nice and gentle on your lip?”

“He isn’t putting it on my lip, he’s cleaning the head of the super glue.”

Stephen’s eyes light with realization and he groans, “You are not serious.”

“I told you to turn away, Doc.” Kelley says strolling back into the room, wiping down the tip of the crazy glue bottle with an alcohol-soaked paper towel before taking a pair of kitchen scissors to its tip and wiping it down once more, “Ain’t fancy like y’all do, but works well enough for a lil’ cut like this. We’ve used it on worse.”

“Are you going to super glue her lip shut!” Christine exclaims, eyes wide

“Sure am.” Kelley nods, helping you hop up on the countertop and grabbing a dry paper towel, placing it over your lip, “Stop droolin’. I know there’s an awful lot of good-lookin’ men in here tonight—“ He teases, and you knee him gently in the stomach making him exclaim, “Woah! Keep that thing away from me, Auggie Girl. Weapon of mass destruction right there.”

You roll your eyes since you can’t talk and sit patiently, waiting until Kelley is satisfied with the lack of moisture around your lip. You part your lips slightly and tilt your head up toward him. He places the smallest amount of glue on the cut— and it stings like a bitch— but only for a few seconds, the pinch of Kelley drawing your lip together replacing the feeling, and then it’s gone. You tilt your head back to keep saliva from gathering too far at the front of your mouth and grunt in objection when Kelley tickles your sides in your vulnerable state.

“This is so not up to code.” Billy mutters

You shrug.

“That cannot be good for you. Your arm is already infected—“

You thrust your arm and the bottle of alcohol toward Stephen to shut him up and he takes them both gladly. The stitches don’t look as bad as they did that first night, and he’s still not entirely sure how they got infected in the first place. He dabs over the stitches gently with the smallest bit of alcohol. He believes that a stronger disinfectant like this does more harm than good, but he’ll work with what he’s got. Kelley tentatively touches a finger to your lip after about three minutes and rips the paper towel out of your mouth. You open and close your lips a few times to ensure the glue is dry and serve an awkward sort of smile to the rest of the room.

“Pretend y’all didn’t see that.” You say

“Oh, we saw.” Christine says, “And I don’t ever want to hear another word about my ER not being up to code.”

“I’m not going to start another fight with you today, so I’ll just say okay.” You decide, mentally listing every violation you’ve seen within the hospital walls, “Now… I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am… thoroughly worn out for the night. And four of you have to be at work in the morning. So, I think we turn in.”

“It’s only ten.” Billy complains

“And you need a solid eight hours.” You say, “Who’s sleeping where? Chrissy and Nic already claimed the guest room, I think?”

“Yes, we did.” Christine sticks her tongue out at Billy, who sticks his tongue out back

“Billy and Gav, take the fold out.” You say, “Uh— Chrissy and Nic have a bathroom, Bill, Gav, go on ahead and jump in mine, yeah?”

“God yes.” Gavin agrees, “I reek of pizza and beer.” He takes Billy by the arm and hauls him off to your bedroom without another word

“You two go on.” You nod back toward the guest room and after shoving the remaining boxes of pizza in the oven, Christine and Nic comply

You then sit in the kitchen looking between Stephen and Kelley.

Oh boy.

“So… if one of you doesn’t mind taking the recliner…”

“What? You don’t wanna spoon from both sides?” Kelley teases

Stephen huffs when you seem to actually consider the offer before interjecting, “I want the bed with you.”

Your heart beats a bit faster and you feel yourself blush at such a bold and straightforward declaration. Besides, it works out that way. Gives you time to talk alone for a while.

You look to Kelley who just looks at you and you shrug, “S’long as you’re okay sleepin’ out here with Billy and Gavin.”

“Yeah, of course. Just let me use the shower before I turn in for the night… and I’m taking one of the pillows off the bed.” Kelley eyes Stephen, “Scale of one to ten how drunk are you?”

“Not as drunk as you were last time you slept in her bed.” Comes Stephen’s quick reply, to which you give him a pointed look and he corrects, “I’m good. I’m tipsy, but punching a man and thinking you’re about to be punched sobers you up pretty quick.”

Kelley smirks, “Alright, fair enough.” Kelley checks with you one more time, “You’re okay with that?”

“Yes, Kelley. Stop big-brothering me.” You roll your eyes

Kelley smiles down at you fondly and places a kiss against your forehead, “Never, Auggie Girl.”

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