Work Text:
You rubbed your face in frustration. You were unsure of how long you were working, it felt like an eternity.
You had a C in one of your classes, something you personally considered sub par to yourself, not good enough in your eyes. The other day you were crying because of all the stress college was putting on you. Things weren't going too well, you were ready to drop out. Why were you even trying to get your degree? Why were you even in that class at all?
Ready to cry again, you hid your face in your hands, letting out a shaky breaths.
God, everything seemed so futile at this point. The door opened behind you.
"What is it?" You asked sharply, not wanting to deal with anyone in your current state.
"Hey." Came your boyfriend, Speedwagon's, soft voice. "Are you alright?"
You could hear footsteps coming closer to you, then you felt his hands resting on your shoulders.
"Everything's fine."
"Really? It doesn't seem like it."
Speedwagon's hands moved down your back, the fingers working their way into your muscles. You sighed as he worked his fingers into the stress knots in your shoulder and back muscles you didn't even know you had. He continued to massage you in silence, letting you relax more.
"You need to take a break, love." Speedwagon told you.
You said nothing as he continued to massage you. Speedwagon stopped in his ministrations, you let out a disappointed groan in response. Turning to look at him, you saw Speedwagon kneeling next to you.
"What?" You questioned, trying not to laugh at the way he was looking at you.
"Take a break. You've worked hard, now let me do something for you." He told you. "I'll cook your favorite food, give you a massage, nap with you. Whatever you want, except let you work more."
You let out a short laugh, admitting defeat. "Fine."
Speedwagon smiled at you. "Good. I'm glad I'll be able to make you feel better. What's wrong with my beloved?"
You shrugged. "I have a C in one of my classes, it's a 78 and I-"
"A 78 isn't horrible. It's a high C, and you're trying your best. If a 78 is the best you can do in that class, then that's the best you can do. I won't expect A's and B's from you if that's not what you can do. If a high C or a low to moderate B is what you are able to achieve, that's what you can achieve. I won't love you any less, or think you're dumb if you have a C. You're stunning, you're funny, and you care about things you're passionate about." Speedwagon paused, staring directly into your eyes. "You're trying your best, and that's what matters."
". . . I guess."
"I love you." He leaned in and gave you a kiss, then held your head in his large, calloused hands. "Now, come with me, dear. I already have some food prepared."
"Carry me?"
He grinned and nodded, grabbing your legs and your back, almost effortlessly lifting you, though he still let out a grunt as he lifted you.
"Need to hit the gym again?" You poked fun at him.
"Not at all love, though. . . I am feeling a bit weak. . I-I may drop you!" He pretended to almost let go of you, causing your heart to skip a beat. You let out a squeak in shock.
"Robert!" You exclaimed, playfully hitting his chest.
"I would never drop you, don't worry." He murmured, kissing your nose and nuzzling into your neck.
Speedwagon carried you to the living room of the house you both lived in. His family had quite a lot of money from the company they owned, so he was able to buy his own house at a fairly young age. Robert had not yet started college, he was still trying to figure out if he wanted to inherit the Speedwagon Foundation, or do something else with his life.
He set you down on the couch and left to the kitchen, grabbing plates of homemade pizza and handing one to you.
The pizza was amazing; usually you cooked because Robert was afraid he'd end up burning the dish, but every time he did it always tasted like heaven. Speedwagon treated you like a deity the entire day. He gave you another massage, took you out to the local museum, and at the end of the day, you both lay in bed side by side with the window open.
The cool air drafting in while you were laying in the bed felt nice on your skin. You were half dressed, only in your undergarments, as the sun's heat from summer made it too hot to be completely under the covers with all your clothes on. Birds chirped in the distance, the sound of cars driving by, wind chimes clanking from the gentle breeze was calming as you were close to slipping into your own dreamland.
Speedwagon was curled into your side, pressing gentle kisses to your skin and whispered sweet nothings to you. You were both gradually falling asleep; Robert more so than you.
"If you ever need a break, don't hesitate to come to me." Speedwagon whispered.
You placed a hand on his head, his blond hair soft and nice to the touch. You brushed one of his bangs from his face. "Of course. Thank you for helping me get through this, by the way." You paused. "I probably would've ended up overworking myself and doing something I would've regretted."
"Just take a moment to breathe and get out whenever you feel like it. I'm always here, through the good and the bad."
His eyes were threatening to close as he spoke. You shifted and turned to face him completely, wrapping your arms around his one arm and staring into his eyes.
You rest your head on his shoulder. "Thank you, my handsome Robert."
Quickly falling asleep with Robert by your side, it was possibly the best rest you've had in quite some time.
Often, it's best to take a moment to step away from an issue and breathe. Looking at it once you aren't so worked up is always helpful, as your judgement is clouded with emotion. Though sometimes, you may need a little tough love to be able to do so.