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Michael Gray was relentless. At first, you had assumed his infatuation with you- or whatever was going on- would soon pass and he would find some new conquest, allowing you to return to normalcy. This never happened.
He started small. A few passing compliments as the Blinders entered the Garrison where you worked. Nothing out of the ordinary, just some harmless flirting.
Soon you began receiving flowers.
No bloom could compare to your beauty. -M
Y/N was quite certain that Michael Gray did not write that, but despite your common sense, you allowed yourself a smile. It was a touching sentiment.
A week after the flowers started arriving, you showed up for your nightly shift at the Garrison to find another barmaid already working.
“I am sorry, you must be new, these are my hours.” You say as sweetly as you can, despite the irritation rising inside of you.
The other girl does not spare you a glance as she wipes down tables, “Not tonight. I had to take this shift last minute mind you. Your guy came in here causing a storm ‘bout you must have the night off.”
This caused you to pause, “You are mistaken then, I do not have a guy.”
“If you aren’t going to claim the handsome man out front, I am more than willing to.”
None other than Michael Gray stood in front of the Garrison, waiting by a running car.
That was the night of your first date.
As he dropped you off at your house tonight, you did something you had never done before, “Would you like to come up, Mr. Gray?”
He smiled. After you had said it you regretted it. What could have possibly possessed you to say that? You knew the answer of course.
The four spectacular dates, three bottles of wine between the two of you that night, and one echoing desire in your body. Michael took no convincing.
The two of you did not even make it through the door before you were kissing, his hands roaming your body. As he touched you, you struggled to remember why it took you so long to invite him up.
The studio apartment made stumbling over to the bed easy work. He laid you down gently, allowing you to begin grasping at his shirt before standing to remove it himself. In all his muscled glory he smiled down at you, leaning forward, he paused as a ball of fluff jumped to your lap.
“What the fuck is that?”
You groaned, looking down at your companion, the mood of whatever was about to happen officially dead. “This.” You sat up fully, “Is Gary.”
“You named it?” Michael remained in place.
“Of course I named him, Michael. He is a cat, not a parasite.” Although sometimes Gary acted like one.
“He could easily live on the streets Y/N. Cats live on the streets.”
“Not this one.” You smiled down at Gary, “Not anymore, I found him by the Garrison after a shift and I couldn't find it in my heart to leave him there.”
Michael ran a hand through his hair, “Do you have anything to drink in here?”
___________________________
Soon you and Michael began seeing each other more officially. After any date where things had gone exceptionally well, you ended in the back seat of his car.
“I have a very nice apartment Y/N”. Michael protested at first.
You finished replacing your blouse in the cramped space, “I cannot spend the night at your apartment. Gary would be starving in the morning. Unless you want to see him, your car will do.”
“And?” Michael asked, dropping his smile as you shot him a glare. “My car will do.”
Another month and Michael began visiting your apartment again. He and Gary ignored each other, as much as they could. “He is looking at me funny.”
“He is a cat, Michael. That is just how he looks.”
One morning you wake up to find Michael asleep on the floor. “Michael!’ You startle him out of his slumber. “What in heavens name are you doing on the floor?”
Michael groaned as he rolled on the creaking floor, “I got home late last night and he was on my side of the bed.”
A quick glance back at the bed confirms Gary is still slumbering peacefully on the bed. You roll your eyes, “So move him.”
Michael rubs the slumber out his eyes, “I tried. He wouldn't move. He hates me.”
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Michael had practically moved in after a few months. You were always home late, you worked late after all. But he usually worked later, stumbling into the apartment after you had already fallen asleep.
Because of this, you did not expect to see him when you opened the door. Once you registered his sleeping form, you smiled to yourself. Making your way towards the bed, you could not help but laugh at the scene before you.
Michael was indeed fast asleep on his side of the bed. On his stomach, however, was a peaceful Gary also fast asleep. You suddenly wished you had been an artist instead of a barmaid. You would very much like to immortalize that image forever.
Your laughter startles Michael into a groggy state, “Y/N. You're home.”
“I am.” You sit on the bed gently, careful not to disturb either of the current occupants, “You're tired today.” You did not want to poke fun, he had been working endlessly recently and you were glad to see him sleep, but this was too rare to pass up.
“I am glad you have come around to Gary.” This fully woke Michael up, he groaned as he saw the cat making itself at home on his stomach.
“Alright, be gone with you.” Gary ran to safety as Michael sat up in bed, depriving him of his bed. “I am glad you are home.” he gave you a soft kiss.
“I am glad you are here too. I have the most exciting news and I was certain it would have to wait for the morning.”
“What is it Y/N.” Michael held your hand.
“You’re going to be a father.” He dropped your hand and stared at your smiling face.
He ran a distressed hand over his own face. “We were so careful. Why are you smiling like that?” He stared at you, “We have to get married.”
“Since when did you care about honor, Michael?” you tease him.
“Since you became pregnant.” He looked so serious, you suddenly felt bad for joking with him about it all.
You cupped his face in your hands and kissed him, “I am not pregnant Michael.”
“But you said I was going to be a father.”
“And you are.” Your beaming smile returned, “Garry is pregnant!”
This caused Michael’s brow to furrow. “How is he pregnant?”
“I took her to the vet. Soon we will be a very large family indeed.”