Four unrelated, unassigned character shorts, with hints towards some but can be read as any.
Total word count 1480. Barely proof read.
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"Hello honey, I'll be home in two days."
That's how your most recent conversation started with your husband, who'd been away on business for the last couple weeks.
Since then you've been very excited and looking forward to his return and making things just as he'd want them.
The two days couldn't go by fast enough, you missed him terribly, and when the cab finally pulled up the drive and you saw him step out, you couldn't contain yourself.
"My bear!" You tore down the front porch step in your slippers and met him halfway.
"What are you doing?!" He laughed when you threw yourself onto him and he had to drop his bags to catch you.
"I missed you so much." You nuzzle into his chest, legs wrapped around him.
He pets your hair and kisses your forehead before bending and using his free hand to pick his bag up and walk with you still clinging to him.
"Come on silly, let's get you back inside. No one needs to see your nightgown but me."
He settles back in like he never left, leaving unpacking for tomorrow. Mandatory couch cuddles and sharing the sweet treat you made more important.
"Did you miss me, honey?" He asks, holding you close.
"Very much." You nod, and kiss his cheek.
"Me too." He lays his head back and closes his eyes.
A smile appears on his face as he feels you kiss his forehead, eyelids, then his nose, his lips, and finally his chin.
Opening his eyes, your face is just inches away, affectionately looking at him.
He raises an eyebrow, silently asking what you're doing.
With a tiny clear of your throat you softly say, "I can't decide if I like kissing you on the forehead, cheeks or lips more, guess I'll have to kiss you all over again."
His heart swells as he strokes your cheek, and he never wants to leave you for this long, or any amount of time, again.
"Kissing you is my favorite hobby."
And with his hand cupping your cheek, he leans in to show you the same holds true for him.
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"Hey love, what's wrong?" Your husband knows you well and just two minutes being home from work he can sense your mood.
"N-nothing." Your poutful face says different and you can't hide it well enough.
"I don't believe you, and I'm not moving until you spill." He stands right in the doorway to the kitchen, the place you want to get to most.
So with a whine and a sigh you tell him about your bad day and he listens intently.
He eventually stops you mid sentence when you get worked up. Stepping forward he takes your hand and pulls you close. He's heard enough. He won't let you speak anymore when you say something negative of yourself.
"Stop talking yourself down, babe. You’re amazing." He reminds you, with a soft look only you get to see and a kiss to your cheek.
While you still had a bad day, being with who is your favorite person, makes it seem like everything will be okay.
"Just seeing your face gives me so much dopamine." You say, looking into his eyes, noting that since he's been home, listening, holding you, that you feel lighter than you had just half an hour ago.
He chuckles at this and lets you hug him tightly, his arms around your waist.
"Come on, let's find something to eat." He says after a time, shuffling you into the kitchen with him.
He sits you at the table and starts pulling some things out for dinner that won't take very long.
"You know you’re my favorite person in the world, right?" You say out loud as you watch him do nothing more than prepare dinner. Which is all it takes for your heart to flutter.
He pauses, coming over to you and kneeling down so he's on a lower level even though you're sitting.
"I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to have you wander into my life." He says gently and sincerely.
Both of you know how much you love each other and mean to one another. Words of affirmation are there when either of you need reassurance.
"I'll help you finish dinner." You say, feeling much better, ready to continue the evening with the one you love most.
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"What is it love?" Your husband has been shaking you gently awake. Your squirming about the bed alerts him to the nightmare you're having.
With a gasp you finally wake, remembering where you are, feeling his arms around you, pulling you to safety.
Nothing was real, but tears well up in your eyes anyway, and he holds you to him while you attempt to calm down.
"I had that dream again, I don't know why." You mention the one you hate the most, making him sigh.
"Oh quit your pouting. I’m not gonna leave." He tells you, and would tell you, even though he didn't see the need other than to help you settle down.
"I know, I know!" You exclaim, putting a hand to your mouth, realizing how loud you are.
There's never been any reason to think he's leave, except for this nightmare, which you have at times when something has been worrying you, and you also fall into a deep sleep.
"I want you to stop stressing." He says, his fingers under your chin to see your eyes, wiping tears with his thumb.
"How much do you love me?" You ask meekly. You shouldn't but cannot help yourself, earning another sigh from him.
"Let’s see…how big is the universe?" He indulges you, as he always will. Maybe he doesn't express enough with words how much he adores you, so, he'll tell you when you need to hear it.
You stay up cuddling and talking for a bit, making you feel better and not long after, sleepy again, ready to try to close your eyes.
Your body language tells him you're okay and you both settle back onto the pillows.
He strokes your hair a few times and smirks when you haven't actually closed your eyes yet. "Why are you staring at me?"
"Because you’re beautiful." You whisper, getting a grunt from him as he pinches your nose playfully, his ears turning a shade of red in the darkness.
You don't care if he thinks it's silly, everything about him is attractive. From his looks to his heart to the support he gives you.
"I promise I’ll never break your heart and tell you I don’t love you anymore." He mumbles as you fall asleep together, no nightmares anymore.
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"You don't have to pretend with me you know." You tell your husband.
He's been in a bad mood and though you don't have details, you don't need them.
"Sorry." He mumbles, sore at himself and the thoughts that invade sometimes. He doesn't like them anymore than you do.
You're sitting on the living room couch and he's just come in from upstairs and wants to be close to you but isn't sure how to go about it.
You hold your arms out to him. "You know you don’t have to ask for a hug. Come here, sweetheart." He doesn't need to say anything, you can tell.
He sheepishly wanders over and falls into your waiting embrace.
He sighs as he holds your waist and your arms go around his shoulders, holding his head to your chest, kissing his head.
His mood hasn't put a damper on the love and devotion you have for him. You can handle the occasional bad temper. It's never directed at you, anyway.
"I love you." He exhales, his mood lightening in your warm hold.
"What was that?" You ask playfully, making him huff.
"I said I love you." He repeats, a little vexed. When he hears your laugh he's back in bliss again.
"I know, I heard you the first time. I just wanted to hear you say it again. I love you too." You declare after a little teasing, still smiling when he tsks at you while nuzzling your neck.
Any troubles he might have had before takes a seat in the way back as he lets you comfort him. It's the most comfortable, safe place he can think of.
"Wanna get up yet?" You ask after a while, thinking about making lunch or taking a walk or some activity to resume the leisurely day together.
"Never." His grip on your waist tightens, his eyes squeezing shut.
He feels goosebumps as you breathe out another chuckle and your fingers glide along his arm.
"You are adorable." Your words slips out naturally. Though the softness between you can at times draw an eye roll, most often it's heartwarming sentiments.
"I love you. So much." He could stay in your arms forever.
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I notice my writing style changed even during stories, please forgive me, I don't know what happened LOL