Don't Need Them - John Laurens x Reader {DISCONTINUED}

- 60 -

w o a h this book is alive ljksdbflj

i'll talk more at the end tho here's the chapter finally-

~ time skip: September 30 ~

John's POV

It was honestly weird to think (Y/N) and I's wedding anniversary was just around the corner. It'd been nearly two years since that day; one of the best days of my life.

Making plans for a baby-free evening was still up in the air, but deep down, we both knew we really wouldn't mind if the evening was spent pretty much as normal with Frances. We were never much for "over-the-top" anyway.

(Y/N) had gone off with Mei and Teegan for the day (istg i lowkey forgot they existed i'm sorry, i missed them-), having not seen them in ages. It helped me out a lot though; while Frances was napping, I could finally add the finishing details to the portrait of my wife.

At first, I wasn't even sure when I'd show it to her. Just for fun one day? Hell, wait even until Christmas? But then I remembered the special day approaching, and there was only one option for me to choose.

I felt a sense of both relief and accomplishment as I set the paintbrush down, wiping my cheek with the back of my hand as I stepped back to look at the easel.

No matter how real it looked - and I had to give myself some credit, it did look pretty realistic - though, it'd never come close to the true (Y/N). But I knew she'd love it, and I was content with that information. I'd done well.

And from the looks of it, I'd used up most of my paint supplies with all the projects lately. I needed more.

Knowing Frances would be waking up soon, I went to clean off the paint I'd gotten on my arm and face before going to her nursery.

"Does my birdie wanna go on a lil' trip? Does she wanna help Dada get art supplies?" I cooed, bouncing her a bit and making her smile.

"Da!" she babbled in response.

I chuckled. "I'll take that as a 'yeah'. C'mon, let's finish gettin' you taken care of first."

~

Frances seemed rather enraptured with the mall, but frankly, I couldn't blame her. It was one of those big, two-story malls, full of plenty of colors and things to look at.

That, combined with her favorite stuffed bear clutched tight in her little hands, kept her quiet and calm in the stroller, save for some babbling every so often. Nothing I minded though.

Of course, all the stores led to some minor distractions, and while finally on my way to the store with all the art supplies I needed, I was about to pass the jewelry store.

With (Y/N) and I's anniversary just a few days away, I figured it wouldn't hurt to look, turning Frances's stroller and walking inside with her.

Nothing in the store really was catching my eye though as I glanced around, the lady behind the glass displays occasionally getting my attention to see if I liked something she suggested.

After a bit, I was simply about to leave, also noticing Frances starting to get a little fidgety in her stroller. The saleslady got my attention a final time though, and when I looked over, something immediately felt different about what she was holding. "What d'you think of this?"

I stepped over, watching her set down the black box and push it a little closer to me. I didn't know what the other pieces of jewelry were missing that was causing this one to speak differently, but all I knew was that it was beautiful and it seemed perfect.

"This- This would be perfect. She'd love this," I answered after a moment. "Am I able to buy this now?"

The lady nodded. "Yes, of course! Over here."

~

I pushed the black box to the way back of my dresser drawer, just like I had the engagement ring box - one of the only places I knew (Y/N) wouldn't be able to find it for the time being.

It hadn't been my intention to leave the mall with not just art supplies, but I was genuinely glad I went into the jewelry store. I wouldn't have gotten the present I did.

Just a few minutes after I'd set Frances in her highchair with her dinner, (Y/N) came home, walking into the kitchen.

"Hey!" I smiled. "How was your day?"

"It was fun. I forgot how much I enjoyed spending time with them," (Y/N) answered, setting her keychain on the tray on the kitchen island.

"Anythin' crazy exciting?" I asked as she walked over to Frances, cooing to her and leaning down to kiss her head. I couldn't help but smile at the scene.

"Nothin' over-the-top, but between you and me, if I'm bein' honest, Teegs is lowkey crushing on Mei."

I raised an eyebrow. "Teegan havin' a crush on someone?"

"Yeah, I know!" (Y/N) responded, laughing. "Teegan, kickboxer and queen of 'talk sh*t, get hit', having a crush on one of the purest humans to walk this Earth. I'm amazed."

I laughed a bit as well, thinking a moment. "Ain't Mei seein' that Rowen guy though?"

"Every so often, I think," (Y/N) said. "They're not official yet, but he seems to really like her and vice versa. She and Teegan get along real well though so it's hard to tell. Honestly, I'm prob'ly wrong about Teegs, but I'm getting vibes from her, so..."

"Guess we'll have to see," I finished.

"Precisely." (Y/N) looked at me. "How was your day though? Everything feel okay still?"

"It's been feelin' better for a while now, y'know," I answered. "I know the big bruise on my back is still there but the rest are pretty much gone. Fran and I had a good day though; took her to the mall with me so I could get some new supplies. It was mostly a chill day though."

"I'd say that's still pretty good. Up for an equally-chill evening?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Always, chickadee."

As much as I wanted to tell her about the gift, I knew I shouldn't. Just a few more days to wait though. I couldn't wait for her to see.

and just when i thought my updates would finally be back on track aljbffajj

honest to god i have no idea how i'm gonna end this book oop. i have a couple ideas but i don't know when i'm gonna get there, the day this book ends is gonna be a weird one that's for sure-

i have winter break in a few weeks tho. not sure what that'll mean update-wise but hopefully i'll be able to post at least one new chapter during that time

that's it for today tho and v v sorry for not updating for a month. y'all are some of the most patient readers ever i swear, i'm so lucky jsbfhjsdg. love y'all :)

~ Galaxy