It's the Little Things. (Cracker x Mute Reader)

The Full Explaination

Finding the time to meet up with Linlin was easier said than done. There were all kinds of midsummer events coming up around town and they all needed to hire some sort of security. Cracker had a packed work schedule because of it. While it was hard to plan dinner with her, at least you and Cracker got a lot of deals to some concerts and festivals. Turns out the pay wasn't the only good thing that came from his job. So work was only half the excuse for why you two hadn't gotten back to her yet.

At least he told her he'd try to find the time so it's not like he completely ignored her request. You and him were just busy working and partying like a couple of college kids. It was finally sinking in for you that things with Cracker were going perfectly. Despite your lives being so busy and hectic at times, you'd found your rhythm with each other. The best part about life with him, was he always found a way to make the simplest parts of your day fun.

You'd spent so much time keeping yourself holed up at home before you met him. Now if you were to try going back to that, it would never be the same. The silence used to be comforting, being alone felt good. You found it funny that when Cracker leaves for work and you're left by yourself, the quiet just makes you wish he was back home, telling you more of his cheesy jokes. You could safely say you'd be happy spending the rest of your days with him at this point. He'd turned your life around for the better, even if there were a couple rough times.

That being said, you couldn't figure out why it was so hard to talk to him about the accident that took your voice. Even with things going so well, you still had the same nightmare that plagues you. Sometimes you'd go months without having it. Other times it'd come to you in your sleep multiple times in one week. And it was always the same. You'd wake up with the house on fire, try to save your brother, and every time you'd fail, waking up in a cold sweat.

Of course it happened again, at least this time being the second with Cracker, he knew what to expect. You were glad he didn't work the next day. He had just fallen asleep after working till late at night only to be woken right up by your sudden thrashing and whining. He managed to wake you up before the end of the dream to your relief. That was the worst part, being so close to saving your brother only to watch everything literally fall apart around you.

Cracker sat upright in bed, busying himself with rubbing your shoulders in a half asleep state. You had your back pressed into him with your knees drawn up to your chest, trying to relax so your partner could get back to sleep. It was easier said than done though, it was like the more you tried to calm down the harder it got. The look in Cracker's eyes said he wanted to ask about it, but he didn't want to pry if you weren't ready. But you felt you were. Figuring out what exactly to say was the hard part.

You leaned your head back and cupped his face with one hand, nuzzling into his warmth for a second to get his full attention. It was the middle of summer but the nightmare left you with a cold you just couldn't shake.

"Feeling any better?" The poor man sounded tired.

You couldn't think of a way to ease into the topic so you said what first came to mind. *The accident was a house fire.*

He paused, taking a second before nodding. "Okay." His voice took on a softer tone as he wrapped his arms around your waist and kissed the top of your head.

*I was visiting my family for a weekend. I was in college at the time and lived on campus so it was hard to find the time to see them.*

Cracker was slowly connecting the dots, remembering you mentioned your parents when you first started dating.

*They couldn't figure out how the fire started but it was late at night and I didn't wake up until it had spread and was out of control. I could've made it out without much of a problem but my brother was still in the house.*

"Take your time." He noticed your pause and gave you a tight squeeze. "It doesn't have to come out all at once."

You closed your eyes for a second, took a deep breath and continued. *His room was upstairs and that's where I figured he was. The stairs were burned up bad but I thought I could still make it up. I made it about halfway when they collapsed under me and I fell and hit my head. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital and couldn't speak.*

"That's....that's rough (Y/n)." You couldn't blame him for not knowing what else to say.

*I think I'm still getting over it. My parents got lucky and died in their sleep at least. The fire started close to their room and the smoke got to them before they had the chance to wake up. I don't know what exactly killed my brother, I didn't ask.*

"I probably wouldn't have either. There are some questions better left unanswered."

You sat with him in silence for a while, starting to feel better now that someone else knew the whole story. Sure it was a short version of it, but that's all there really was to it. After a while Cracker wiggled himself down the bed and layed down on his side, taking you with him. He brushed your hair to the side and kissed you gently.

"Did you want to stay up?"

*No, I think you need your sleep anyway. You look ready to pass out any moment now.*

"I can make it if you need me to. I have all day tomorrow to nap."

*I just want to sleep with you tonight.* You frowned as you realized how that sounded. A slight grin graced Cracker's face as well.
*You know what I mean.*

He giggled in delight as you blushed and smiled. All it took as a bit of joking around to make you feel better.

"As much as I love sex with you, I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of you at a time like this."

*I could go for cuddles though.*

"Of course you could."

You turned around and scooted back into him so he could spoon you. It was easy to still talk to him like this. He propped himself up on an elbow and slung an arm lazily over your hip. You and him went back and forth over whatever topic came up for a while. The low rumble of his chest each time he spoke eventually lulled you into a half asleep state. At that point he rambled on about anything that came to mind, knowing you'd fall asleep to the sound of his voice.

----

You didn't get out of bed until late the next morning. It was probably due to the nightmare, but you still felt tired. Staying in bed all day didn't sound like a good option though. Plus Cracker wasn't there when you woke up either. You put on one of his shirts to cover yourself and padded out of the room to find him.

"Hey cutie." A shirtless Cracker chirped from behind the kitchen counter. He had a plate of cinnamon rolls in front of him and held up a fork. "Hungry?"

Bless this man, cinnamon rolls sounded like the best thing since sliced bread. Your mouth watered at the sight of them and you wasted no time hopping on one of stools across from him.

*You're literally my favorite person.*

He laughed as you accepted the fork and went to town on the sweet food. "Save some of that for me!"

*Sorry, I didn't realize I was hungry.* You slowed down enough to keep Cracker from complaining.

"You slept the whole morning away. I'm surprised you didn't wake up for food."

*It was more like I woke up to find you.*

He smiled and chuckled, licking his fork clean. "I wanted to make breakfast for you. I can't bake but I can follow directions alright."

*You sure can, you did great.*

"By the way, I know we both have today off and it'd be a good time to take momma out to dinner, but I think we should wait till next week instead. We haven't had a quiet day together for a while."

*No complaints here. I'm still tired so I'm planning on a nap later today.*

"Ohhh now that sounds good. Are we feeling like takeout tonight too? Make it a real lazy day."

*That sounds perfect.*

"Almost perfect." Cracker had a mischievous glint in his eye as he came around the counter to stand behind you, placing a hand on either side of you to cage you in. "We have all day to fuck too."

Now that sounded perfect.