chapter 14 / aftercare baby

Shubman exhaled deeply, the afterglow settling in as he propped himself up on one elbow, his dark eyes scanning Verena's face. 

She looked radiant, her hair tousled and her cheeks still flushed. His chest swelled with a mix of pride, affection, and protectiveness. 

He reached out, brushing his fingers over her cheek.

"Baby, you okay?" he asked, his voice soft but tinged with concern. "Was I too rough? Does anything hurt?"

Verena opened her eyes, a dreamy smile spreading across her lips. "I'm fine, Shubi," she murmured. "Better than fine, actually."

He chuckled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Don't just say that to make me feel better," he teased. 

"I need the full fucking report, gorgeous. Did I leave you sore anywhere? You tell me, yeah?"

Her laughter was soft and warm as she reached up to cup his face. "You're such a worrier. I promise I'm okay."

"Promise isn't enough," he muttered, his brow furrowed as he scanned her body for any sign of discomfort. 

"I'm gonna check anyway." His hands ghosted over her arms and shoulders, pausing to rub her wrists gently where he'd held them earlier. "Any bruises here? Did I grip too hard?"

Verena shook her head, her smile widening. "Shubman, seriously. You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculous about you, yeah," he admitted with a smirk, leaning down to kiss her nose. 

"Can't help it, baby. You're my whole fucking world."

She blushed, her heart fluttering at his words. "You're too sweet."

"Sweet, huh? Not the word most people use for me on the pitch," he quipped, his tone light. But his expression turned serious again as he moved the covers aside and slid off the bed. 

"Okay, stay here. Don't move. I'm getting you water."

"Shubi, I can—"

"Sit your pretty ass down," he interrupted, holding up a hand. "Let me take care of you for once, yeah?"

Verena giggled as he disappeared into the kitchen, returning moments later with a glass of water and a damp washcloth. 

He sat on the edge of the bed, handing her the glass first. "Drink up, baby. You gotta stay hydrated."

She took the glass, her fingers brushing against his. "Thank you."

"Always," he said, his voice low and sincere. He watched her drink before setting the empty glass aside. 

Then, he gently cleaned her skin with the washcloth, his movements tender and precise.

"Shubi, you don't have to do all this," she said softly, touched by his care.

"Yes, I fucking do," he insisted, his gaze meeting hers. "You're my girl, Verena. My responsibility. My everything. You think I'm just gonna let you lie here and not spoil the shit out of you?"

Her heart melted at his words. "I love you," she whispered.

He grinned, leaning down to kiss her deeply. "Damn right you do," he teased, pulling back just enough to rest his forehead against hers. "And I love you, too. So fucking much."

After finishing the aftercare, Shubman climbed back into bed, pulling her into his arms. She nestled against his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat under her cheek. 

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close like he never wanted to let go.

"You warm enough, baby?" he asked, his voice a low rumble. "Need an extra blanket? A snack? Fuck, I'll make you toast if you're hungry."

Verena laughed softly, shaking her head. "I don't need toast, Shubi. I just need you."

"Well, you've got me," he said, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Always."

As they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, the world outside faded away, leaving only their love and the warmth they shared

The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the room as Shubman's arms stayed securely wrapped around Verena, her body tucked against his. 

He lazily traced patterns along her bare shoulder with his fingertips, his breath warm against her temple. The quiet intimacy of the moment wrapped around them like a cocoon.

"You comfortable, baby?" he murmured, his voice thick with lingering drowsiness but still laced with care.

Verena tilted her head to look up at him, her lips curling into a soft smile. "More than comfortable. I feel... safe."

Shubman's heart gave a familiar, happy ache at her words. "Safe is the bare minimum for you, gorgeous. You deserve the fucking world." 

His hand slid to her back, gently rubbing slow, soothing circles. "But if I went too hard, you gotta promise me you'll tell me, okay?"

She laughed softly, resting her chin on his chest. "You're obsessed with this, aren't you?"

"Damn right, I am," he replied, his lips quirking into a grin. "You think I'm just gonna let this slide? Nah. Not when you're my everything."

Verena shook her head fondly, her fingers brushing against the chain he wore around his neck. "You're impossible, Shubi."

"Yeah, and you love it," he teased, leaning down to steal a kiss. His lips lingered on hers, soft and gentle, as if savouring every second.

When he pulled back, he frowned slightly, his brows knitting together. "Your neck's a little red," he muttered, his thumb brushing against the faint marks. 

"Damn it, baby, I didn't mean to—"

"Shubman," Verena interrupted, placing a finger over his lips. "It's fine. I like it, okay? You don't need to overthink every little thing."

He huffed but relented, his hands returning to her waist. "Still, I'm gonna be careful next time."

"Next time?" she teased, her eyes sparkling. "Already planning the next round?"

"Always, baby," he said with a wink. "But for now, you're not lifting a damn finger tonight. You need anything, I'll get it. Food, water, painkillers—hell, I'll go get your favourite snacks even if it's three in the morning."

Her laughter filled the room, light and melodic. "You're ridiculous."

"For you? Always," he replied, pulling her closer. "Now sleep, baby. I've got you."

Verena nestled against his chest again, her eyes drifting shut as his steady heartbeat lulled her into a peaceful slumber. 

Shubman stayed awake a little longer, his gaze fixed on her serene face. He pressed a kiss to her hair, murmuring softly, "Love you, Vee. So fucking much."

Shubman lay in bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminating the room. Verena was fast asleep, her head nestled against his chest, her fingers loosely clutching the chain he always wore. 

His hand rested protectively on her back, but his eyes were focused on her peaceful face, every detail etched into his memory.

He shifted slightly, careful not to wake her, and reached for his phone on the bedside table. The screen lit up, casting a faint glow over his face. He opened his notes app, scrolling through the reminders he'd made earlier.

"Check her favourite brands... Dior skincare? Maybe that serum she keeps talking about?" he muttered to himself, typing furiously with one hand. 

He paused, glancing at her. "Not that you need it, baby. You're already perfect."

He set the phone down for a moment and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers trailing softly down her cheek. A smile tugged at his lips. "God, you're gorgeous."

Her brows furrowed slightly in her sleep, and she nuzzled closer to him. His heart melted at the sight. He resumed scrolling through his phone, opening the browser to research some of her favourite comfort foods.

"Chocolate-dipped strawberries, that tiramisu from that café she loves... what else?" he whispered, thinking aloud. 

His eyes flicked back to Verena. "She didn't eat much at dinner. Need to stock up her fridge."

The thought lingered, and his gaze softened further. He remembered her teasing him earlier in the evening, the way her laughter echoed in the flat, and the way her eyes lit up whenever she talked about her designs. He couldn't help but smile.

He leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to her forehead. "What am I gonna do with you, huh? You've got me wrapped around your little finger."

Verena stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent before settling again. Shubman chuckled quietly. He carefully slipped out of bed, tucking the blanket around her, and padded over to the kitchen.

Opening the fridge, he made a mental note of what was missing. "Alright, yoghurt, granola, milk... and those dumb fancy chocolates you love," he muttered, smirking. "Anything for my queen."

He jotted the list down on his phone before tiptoeing back to the bedroom. As he slid under the covers, Verena instinctively curled into him, her hand finding its place over his heart.

Shubman wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Don't worry, baby. I've got everything under control," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Anything you need, I'll always be here."

With one last glance at her sleeping form, he allowed himself to drift off, his mind already planning ways to make her day even more special tomorrow.

SOUP RANTS!

the fourteenth chapter is here!
did we like it?
do comment your favorite part
what do you think will happen in the next chapter?

until then
yours lovingly,
soup <3