Work Text:
Today is just like any other day. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the trailer smells like weed and pinesol and the outside air is crisp with ocean salt. You and Barry lounge, in your typical comfy clothes, on your porch. Your legs are tucked up underneath you, leaning against his side while you read a book together. He holds the book, and already done with the page he gazes lovingly at you as you finish it.
In the very beginning of your relationship, years ago now, you had questioned it and shrunk under his gaze, embarrassed and confused. Now you know better than to question it and know he only does it because he loves the expressions you make while reading. When finished you look up to look at him with a smile.
"Done." You tell him, expecting him to simply change the page. Instead, he closes the book entirely and tosses it onto the coffee table. He gently repositions you to not be leaning on him and then slides down onto the floor.
Your mind immediately goes south but instead of spreading your legs he kneels down one knee and reaches into his cargo shorts pocket.
You blank, mouth falling open slightly. There's no way he's doing what you think he's doing.
He pulls a small box from his pocket and presents it too you, lifting the lid. Inside the box is a rings with a small gem on it, and while you know it's not a real diamond the ring still must have cost him a paycheck and a half.
“Barry…” You whisper, at a loss for words, but he holds a hand up to stop you.
“I just… just let me say this please.” He takes a deep breath, eyes darting down, and you can see now how nervous he is. “I want to start this out by saying I know I’m not the perfect partner. I know I’m bad at communicating and I still don’t ask for help when I need it and I always assume the worst and I’m easily jealous-”
You smile, remembering how just yesterday he had gotten jealous when one of his clients had looked at you for too long.
“And I know this isn’t romantic, there’s no candles or sunsets and we’re not on a fancy beach or at an expensive restaurant… But I… I’m in love with you. I can’t tell you just how much I love you. And I wish I could give you the world, but all I can offer you is me. For the rest of your life, if you’ll make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?”
You can feel tears welling in your eyes, and a tight feeling beginning in your throat so you nod quickly, saying, “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.” while you still can. He rushes forward, completely forgetting to put the ring on your finger and instead opting to kiss you passionately on the mouth.
He pulls away when it becomes hard to breathe, smiling widely. “Barry.” You whisper, bringing his eye back to yours as he slips the ring onto your finger. “I have great news. You are my world… so by giving me your hand in marriage you are technically giving me the world.”
He laughs wetly, smiling wide enough it has to hurt his cheeks and you realize that you’re not the only one about to cry from happiness.
Suddenly filled with the need to reassure your boyfriend- well fiance now- you cup his cheeks, forcing him to look you in the eyes.
“Bear, I want you to listen to me and listen to me good alright? You may not be perfect, but you’re perfect for me and there’s not a single person on this entire earth that I would rather marry.”
He squeezes his eyes shut, pulling out of your hands and bringing a hand up to press it against his nose. He’s obviously trying to stop the tears but he can’t and fat drops begin to roll down his cheeks.
“Shit.” he curses, ducking his head and wiping furiously at his eyes, “Now look at what you did.” he says in a joking tone.
You reach out, placing your hands back on his cheeks and pulling him close. You lean forward, gingerly pressing feather-soft kisses to his cheeks, kissing his tears away. Once his face is free of tears you kiss his nose then his forehead and he makes another choked noise like he’s going to start crying again. He throws his arms around your waist, pulling you to the edge of the couch as close to him as you can get, his arms getting so tight it starts an ache in your ribs. You don’t have the heart to tell him, though, as he buries his face in your neck.
“I love you.” He whispers, “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, my world.”