Who: Gwen Stacy and Michael Glass When: Late August Where: Their Place What: Fluff Rating/Warnings: TBD? Status: Complete when Posted
Michael couldn’t remember the last time he and Gwen had the house to themselves. With the exception of the dog but he was on the back porch right now so he didn’t really count. Not in Michael’s opinion anyway, He’d have to remember to let him in before bed but that wasn’t something to focus on right now. Right now he just wanted to focus on his girlfriend. “Feel like another netflix night sweetheart? Or...I could play my new song for you. Whatever you want is fine by me. I’m happy just getting time for the two of us.”
“Hey before I forget - how’d the prank war with Merlin go anyway?”
***
Gwen was making pasta. It was a dish she couldn’t mess up. She felt disconnected from Michael. It felt like they were never around at the same time, but tonight they had the place to themselves. It was time for wine, cheese, pasta, and … whatever. Cuddling? Sex? Talking all night long? Watching movies? Maybe all of the above. Gwen just knew she wanted to reconnect with the man she loved.
“Whatever you wanna do. We can do one and then the other? I always want to hear you play,” she called from her spot next to the pot of boiling water. She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Awaiting retaliation. I imagine he’s got something huge in store.”
***
Michael had been happy to leave the cooking to Gwen. Despite working in a Bakery, despite the cooking tips that he’d picked up there from Audrey - he still wasn’t confident about his ability making a lot of things in the kitchen. Give him a recipe and time to figure it out (and maybe try making it a few times before the night they were actually planning to eat whatever it was). “Can I do anything to help with dinner?” Just because he didn’t mind letting her cook didn’t mean he’d mind helping her with prep work if she needed it.
“I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t planning something huge. Because it’s Merlin” he knew that Merlin had magic but he never came right out and said it because it wasn’t his to say anything about. Plus he wasn’t entirely sure how to explain his boss’ husband was a wizard without sounding like he was nuts. “It doesn’t have any lyrics yet but I can play the melody for you. And then we can watch Netflix. Maybe a comedy? I don’t really feel like watching anything with a lot of fighting in it right now.”
***
They cooked together sometimes. It wasn't like Gwen was the best cook, but she could make pasta. She could microwave sauce. She was learning slowly but surely how to make different dishes over time. Garlic bread and pasta she could do. Tossing a salad was pretty easy, too.
"Nah, I'm good. This isn't anything fancy," Gwen explained, opening the jar of sauce. She'd just toss pasta and sauce together. Voila. Dinner. Not the most nutritious, but still filling.
"I'm a little nervous. But it's been so long!" Gwen gave a little chuckle. "I can't imagine he's forgotten." How could one forget such an amazing prank?
"I'd love to hear it." She drained the pasta and put the sauce over it, going through the motions of making the dinner. "When we're done eating, play it first, then we'll watch something funny."
***
Michael grinned at her when she said it wasn’t anything fancy. “I think I like our not fancy dinners best. Less to clean up later, we can get to the more fun part of the night faster.” Whether that was cuddling or going upstairs to their bedroom and having sex - he didn’t care so long as they were together doing whatever it was. “Plus less stress trying to get dinner together to start with.”
He laughed quietly along with her as he moved to get the dog’s food out of the pantry. “While you do that - I’m going to go out and feed the monster so I don’t have to do it after dinner.” He’d feed him, make sure he had water, love on him for a minute and when he came back in they could eat and just relax. “And I think it’s a lot more likely he’s just coming up with something huge to get you back.”
“We’ve got a plan. I’ll be back in a couple minutes sweetheart. I just need to take care of him,” he said, heading out onto the back deck.
***
"True." Gwen smiled over at Michael at his words. She liked all those things, too. Gwen may have looked like a fairly fancy girl, but she wasn't. She was polished, sure, and professional, but when it came down to it, she could eat Pop Tarts for breakfast, stay in her jammies, and spend a day playing video games. Like a champ.
"Good idea," she added, to the idea of Michael feeding the dog. Then she chuckled. "I'm in for it, then. He's had a long time to prepare."
When he headed out onto the back deck, Gwen gave a gentle, "kay," and then finished her dinner preparations. He could take care of the dog while she was in the kitchen at the sink. Garlic Bread and pasta with sauce. It was a carb-heavy meal. She dished it onto plates, then set the table.
***
Michael tried to be as quick as possible in taking care of the dog so that he could get back inside to his girlfriend. He’d fed him, loved on him for a bit, made sure he had water and promised to play with him the next day. In under five minutes he was back inside, closing the back door behind him. He saw her setting the table and went to wash his hands, putting the dog food away before he did and then joining her at the table. “So other than waiting on Merlin to prank you back - how’s work going?” he asked as he took his seat at the table.
***
“It’s okay,” Gwen said. “I can see myself working at Stark Industries for the long haul. I mean, I’m happy there. Good pay, good benefits, and I’m being challenged left and right by my position.” She finished setting the plates on the table, and poured water and wine for each of them.
“What about you? I feel like I have no idea what’s going on with you lately, and I’m the worst girlfriend ever.”
***
“You are not the worst girlfriend ever sweetheart. Pretty sure I dated her in high school,” Michael told her trying to make her smile. “We’ve just both been busy lately. But things should be calming down for me. They’re releasing the album next month and I’m quitting the Bakery. I have to make sure I talk to Audrey between now and then. Again. I’m pretty sure I mentioned to her the release date was coming up. Guess I should have made sure I told you. Shit - I’m not winning any awards as a good boyfriend am I?” he said, giving her a slightly embarrassed smile.
***
Gwen raised an eyebrow. They hadn’t talked a whole lot about previous boyfriends and girlfriends. Maybe that was something they should talk about at some point? But not today. Not tonight. Tonight was about reconnecting. Not about… that other stuff.
She nodded. “I’m so proud of you.” She was really looking forward to all the album release stuff. Parties, fun, excitement. It was going to be good. “I’m sure she will be, too.” Meaning Audrey. “You’re fine.” She leaned up and in to tap a kiss against his lips.
“Are you still going to play at Baxter Bakery on Thursday nights?”
***
Michael noticed that raised eyebrow but he didn’t say anything. That was a conversation that could wait for another night. Maybe in a few weeks once things had settled down more for both of them. Because it was a conversation they probably needed to have. They’d been together...was it over a year already? It didn’t feel anywhere near that long to him.
He grinned when she said she was proud of him, he could never begin to tell her how much her saying that meant to him. “Thanks sweetheart. She and Merlin might get a surprise when they see what I said in the dedication/thanks page. You might be surprised too.” He’d tried to remember to thank all of his friends because he really wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support and just being there for him. But this album - was mainly Sam’s album. He really would never have been able to do any of this without his granddad. If Sam hadn’t given him his first guitar, hadn’t given him this house - he wouldn’t be here.
He returned her quick kiss before answering her question. “I am but it’s not going to be every week. At least once a month though.”