Short stories of my favorite male characters 🕺🏽

The sound of her brown heels against the gravel of the sidewalk was all the company she had. She couldn’t help seemingly being a void magnet. From a young age, she was the kid who ate lunch alone, played alone, and worked alone. Being an adult didn’t make any difference. For her, it was all the same. The only joy in her life was her job at the museum where she’d give tours and share her obsession with Egyptian gods with anyone willing to listen.

Her life routine consisted of work and home. On top of that, she had terrible insomnia that was the cause for her dark under-eye bags. She still blames it on her hard times in high school after being prescribed depression, extreme anxiety, and insomnia. When she would sleep, it was once in a while and only for a few minutes. Hell, she can’t remember the last time she slept. Monday? Or maybe last Wednesday? It doesn’t matter because it doesn’t make any difference. She was a sad insomniac with no friends or family. Her phone pinged with a text notification.

from Steven: Mornin’ crackers! Were you able to rest the noggin’ a bit? Hope you’re on your way. I got Donna to bugger off for a bit 

The text subconsciously brought a smile to my lips. Steven. Steven Grant. Steven with a “ V “ He was my neighbor and coworker. My first real friend whom I shared shockingly familiar qualities with. We were both sleepless, sad adults with a serious Egyptian obsession something we found both weird and amusing. Our way of meeting was quite funny actually. We met for the first time at work when I was turning down a hall at the museum and attempting to open a bag of crackers for lunch when I happened to bump into him and spilled them everywhere. (hence the nickname) We were both super embarrassed and  I apologized profusely while he proceeded to blame himself. Of course, Donna made us both work inventory that night and he was very pleasant company.

We only chatted a bit, seeing as there was so much to do, so when we locked up and both went the same way, I somehow assumed he was following me. The only problem was that he figured the same. So when one started picking up their pace the other followed closely almost in unison. After he almost attempted to murder me with an umbrella, we realized we lived in the same building and that we were neighbors. How we'd never seen each other, was to this day still a wonder to me, but seeing as we were both severe homebodies, I wasn't surprised.  After that, we got to know each other better and found out we had a lot in common. At some point it was a little concerning that we had so much in common but just shrugged it off as 'The Universe's' doing, or fate, if you believe in that sort of thing.

 Now, we’re pretty close to the point we’re always at each other’s flats and even go to work together. Usually late, but we still go. We know about each other’s struggles and support one another as best we can. So yeah, maybe the universe did plan it out all along since we filled the little missing space in each other's lives.

to Stevie: Mornin’ Stevie! Yeah no, didn’t get a wink of sleep last night but that’s the usual y’know? Thanks for holding her off I’m right outside! 

Just as she sent the text she walked into the museum, cradling the cupholder to her chest with both coffees to make sure the liquid remained in the cup. “ Mornin’ JB! “ She flashed the security a smile of politeness as she walked past in hopes of improving his morning. “ Yeah Mornin’ Linda, Donna’s going bonkers ‘cus you’re late so you better hurry. “ She sighed silently and rolled her eyes, rushing into her office after tapping her badge and showing it to JB. “ Yup, still Y/N, not Linda. Thanks for the information though! “

Unfortunately for her, Donna stood in her office tapping her foot impatiently and looking down at her watch in frustration. She let out an angry sigh of relief when she saw her approaching

“ Look who finally decided to show up! “ Placing her purse and coffee down, Y/n handed Donna her coffee and watched expectantly as she took a sip. " and with cold coffee " Y/n grimaced as she awaited her punishment like children often did after doing something wrong even though she knew being late once in a while was no crime and her boss was simply projecting her life frustrations onto her. As a matter of fact, it was something Donna did quite often. There had been many times when she was on the brink of losing her job for standing up to Donna to defend Steven. Either way, she needed this job, so the only way to keep it was by taking whatever was thrown her way.

 “ Sorry Donna, I couldn’t sleep yesterday and when I did I was just completely knocked out and didn’t notice the time “ At this explanation, she scoffed. “ Does it look like I give a bloody hell what you’re doing? ‘Cus I don’t, but since you think we're such besties, tonight you’ve got your favorite inventory with your best buddy Stevie “

This didn't surprise her in the slightest. Donna was always trying to find someone to do inventory so that she wouldn't have to. unfortunately, those someones always happened to be Steven and her. And yet, she couldn't even focus on the fact that they would spend another tiring late night because hearing the nickname from her just sounded wrong. Like the nasty acidic taste in your mouth after throwing up, or the gross taste of drinking a cup of orange juice after brushing your teeth. Y/n didn’t quite understand why, but hearing her call him that name made her stomach burn with jealousy and her chest tighten with rage.

How could Donna call him that? He was her precious Stevie, not that ugly witch. While she couldn't really fully comprehend her jealous outburst, she figured it was because he was her first real friend. And besides, he was a very integral part of her life now. Or maybe she saw him as a little more than a friend? With his cute nervous chuckles whenever he'd be clumsy or get things wrong. The way his eyes would glaze over when talking about the Egyptian gods and everything he loved about them. His cute little mannerisms and respectful attitude. These were some of the many things that really made her lov-, and not care about him. Of course, it was just friendship and nothing more. At least that's what they told themselves. Regardless of her anger for her boss, she carried on with her day and looked forward to her lunch break when she’d usually go visit him at the gift shop.

Her feet ached from walking all over the hard marble floor by the time the day was finally over. Thank god it was Friday, she thought. Like most nights; the two would talk about anything and everything without breaks on the walk home. They had so much in common, it was as if they had known each other their whole lives. She zoned out when he let out one of those laughs she loved so much. She had subconsciously admitted to herself her feelings for him just two months into their friendship. Pretty early right? but who wouldn't fall in love with Steven Grant? In her eyes, it was a warm summer evening shared with a lover on a picnic. He was the embodiment of love and joy. She was miserable knowing he'd never have eyes for her. Her insecurities always got the best of her whenever she'd be close to confessing.

She'd snap out of her thoughts when he waved his hand in front of her slowly, making sure she was alright. She'd blinked a few times and refocused on his dark curls and soft brown eyes. After confirming she was okay with a warm smile, they said good night and retreated to their respective apartments in hopes of sleep.

...

She fiddled anxiously with her hands under the table as she looked around in hopes of spotting him. The dark voice in the back of her mind told her that he had ditched her along with other many awful things. Regardless of her doubts, she didn't once back down on the hope that he would show up. This was Steven after all.

After almost forever, he walks up to the table looking even more nervous than I am. He waves hello and began to speak to her when the waiter came back. I took this time to admire his features but also come up with scenarios of what he might want to talk about.

After another beat and with the waiter gone, Steven gently grabbed her arms and wrapped them with his warm ones. He then proceeded to reveal everything. His disorder, the different personalities, and of course, his feelings for her. She stared silently at a loss for words at all the information. " Oh, bugger. I've done it now, haven't I? If you don't feel the same I promise it's- " He was quickly quieted by a rough kiss to his lips. They both melted into it and pulled away shortly after realizing they were kissing over a table in a restaurant. " I really like you too Steven "

...

" Hey, Baby did you eat my muffins? " Marc ducked to look around the fridge only to find no muffins which caused him to groan in frustration. He closed the fridge and sighed looking over at their wife happily eating the muffins. She smiled at him with her cheeks full and two muffins resting on top of her big belly. 

" Aw, I'm sorry hun, the baby was really craving some " This caused him to roll his eyes and sit next to her after kissing her forehead and bump. " mhm the baby, or you? " 

She shrugged and shoved another muffin into her mouth with a giggle. Tell her I said she looks adorable Steven smiles, looking at her lovingly through the reflection of the mirror. 

" Tell her yourself "

Suddenly, his eyes rolled and his head shot back. " Hi, darling! You look adorable "

Tears began welling up in her eyes due to the pregnancy hormones and she threw herself in his arms. " Oh my dear Steven, how I missed you! "

He tightly wrapped his arms around her and chuckled lightly. " You just saw me this morning darling, but I missed you too "