(Requested by SnowyGlaceon )

(Dust)

I normally sleep all day. Most days I worked third shift. Third shift is hard to manage, working all late night to come home just after the sun rises and just crash next to my husband. Sleep would consume me and I'd wake to no Blue, late afternoon, aching bones, and a rumbling stomach.

Long hours, late night shift: sounds awful. But it pays well, and I get reasonable time off. Therefore my husband and my boys have a happy life. If only I were awake more to see it. Even on my days off, I felt tired. I'd fall asleep on the couch if I tried to be out and about. My boys would snuggle me most times when I do fall asleep out there. And as much as they tell me that's all they want from me, I feel like it's not enough.

Trudging home, I was so happy the next two and a half days were my off days. I had just worked a double shift. Maybe I could actually get up and play with my boys. They were getting so big already... Even though I always made sure I had their birthday off to celebrate, I feel like I've missed out on their growth. They just kept getting bigger and bigger. Blue always kept me up to date, who did what, when stuff happened, all that. But again, once the moment passed, something intangible was missing.

I got home. It was already sunset. The boys would be getting ready for bed. Stepping inside, I looked around for anyone. Blue, the boys...

I didn't notice anyone, so I just set my stuff down and went to the kitchen. Blue always had something waiting for me when I got back from work, always making sure I ate something. Tonight, it was a sub and some chips. So they must've had a lazy dinner tonight, since Blue normally left a hot plate in the oven from whatever they had for dinner.

Taking my plate, grabbing a rootbeer from the fridge, I turned to head upstairs. Maybe I could catch an episode or two of Blues favorite show with him before he fell asleep as I got ready for bed. A noise sounded at the top of the stairs and I looked up to see my little troublemaker, Fury, giggling down at me in his bath towel. He still had foamy bubbles on his head and I grinned at him, "Fury, are you running from mama?"

He nodded vigorously, my little grin on his face as he kept giggling. So, grinning back, I hunched down, holding my plate in one hand and making a grabby motion with my other hand. It made him giggle more as I slowly approached him. He almost seemed frozen in place with the expectation of papa's tickles.

Blue saw, standing behind him. He snuck up behind Fury, tiptoeing as I kept going up and up. I lunged for Fury as Blue lifted him and blew a raspberry on his belly, making the boy squeal with delight. Fury was a giggling mess in Blue's arms, but now Blue was distracted. So a little naked Sprinkle came dashing past his mother's legs down the stairs. Only to run smack dab into papa. I wrapped my empty arm around him and scooped him up with his own momentum. Soon both boys were giggly messes as I climbed the rest of the stairs with Sprinkle on my shoulder. I smiled at Blue, giving him a little kiss, "Having fun with bath time, babe?"

Blue smiled, "I suppose so. These two heard the door and climbed out of the bath to come get you."

That made me smile warmly. I feel so absent, and these boys still love me so much... Still carrying our little giggling bundles, I followed Blue to the bathtub. These soapy little monsters needed to finish their bath, after all. First I set Sprinkle down. Then I went over to set my plate and root beer down. Rolling up my sleeves, I went to help Blue finish bath time with our lovely little monsters.

As I got on my knees to help out my wife, the boys started going on and on about their day. Blue had taken them to the supermarket today, after school. Nothing entertaining happened at school today. These two didn't tend to pay attention on Fridays. They were only 1st graders, so it was fine. But still... it felt like just yesterday they were learning animals through stories and half babbling when they talked.

I sighed, seeing Blue glance at me as I kept rinsing Fury off.

He knew I felt like I was missing out. It's why he tried so hard to give me as many moments as possible. He wanted me to feel like the father I want to be.

"Papa?" Sprinkle piped up as Blue finished finding him off. I looked up, "Yeah, buddy?"

"Are you working again tomorrow?" He asked.

I smiled slightly, "Not tomorrow, no. I have all weekend off."

Fury sat up, "Can we sleep on the couch?" He asked. Both Blue and I gave him an odd look. He just smiled, "Papa likes sleeping on the couch! So we wanna sleep on the couch with him!"

I sighed again and Blue leaned forward, "Papa naps a lot on the couch but he sleeps in his bed, just like you two okay?"

"But mamaaaaa..." Fury whined.

"Butts are for chairs and for spanking," Blue said, giving Fury a look, "You'll sleep in your bed."

Fury huffed and crossed his arms. Sprinkle just leaned on Blue slightly, "Can papa tuck us in?"

Blue smiled, "Of course he can baby. We just need to dry you off and get those jammies on."

And in the next moment we had two smiling boys getting dressed. Sprinkle still had to wear pull ups at night. He was a bed wetter. But he was getting better every night. And Fury put one on just to make his brother feel better.

Blue went to go get changed himself while I put the boys in their beds. They had bunk beds but nearly every morning Blue finds them in the same one. They were just so attached to each other. I suppose that's just how most twins were.

I sat down on the bottom bunk with both boys, "Alright, do you two want a story?" I asked.

They nodded in sync and I chuckled, "Go grab one then. And no fighting."

Fury got up and ran to their little bookshelf. He came back with... a story book my brother made. I had to pause, because I haven't actually tucked them in in a while, and I forgot they had this book. It was something my brother made years ago, before I even met Blue. It was the chronicle of a great warrior and it was his dream to become one... before he got sick.

I took it and looked at the boys, "You want this one...?"

They both nodded with excitement. Sprinkle sat up more, "It's our favorite!"

"But mama can't do voices like you," Fury piped up.

I blinked, surprised they loved this story. I hadn't been able to bring myself to read it when I found it. It had been hidden in a box of my brothers things in the attic. I brought it down and left it on the table. The boys probably found it while I was at work...

Clearing my throat, I opened it up to the hand drawn figure and began to read, "Once upon a time, in the monster kingdom, there was a great, brave knight. His name was Sir Papyrus..."

—————

As I finished the book, I leaned over and kissed my boys on the head, letting them stay snuggled up in the same bed. My voice had gotten thick through some parts. But they didn't seem to mind.

I set the book down and left the room, turning their overhead light off. My feet dragged on the carpet as I went to my bedroom. My body ached and my brain was tired. But I kept moving. Once I reached the bed I found a beautiful sight awaiting me: Blue in a robe, laying down and waiting for me.

A smile graced my features as I went over and gave him a slow, loving kiss that he returned. I pulled away and he smiled, holding up my dinner, "Get dressed. I'll feed you okay? My hard working husband..."

With a hum and a sigh, I kissed him again briefly, "What would I do without you..."

Then I stood and went to get changed, coming back in my pajama pants. I sat down with a heavy grunt and looked up, finding my food in my face. I chuckled and just opened my mouth. When Blue wanted to do something, there was no stopping him. It was best to just comply.

He fed me for a while, letting me eat slow because I was tired. When I finished, and I finished the whole sub because I was very hungry, he handed me my rootbeer and snuggled up to me as we turned the TV on to laze around for a little while. My arm fell around his waist as he held my middle.

I was curious about the robe. He normally only wore a robe because he was in the mood. And right now, I couldn't even think of it. I was too tired. Rubbing his side I glanced at him, "...You're not hoping for anything tonight, are you...?" I hated disappointing him but I just couldn't tonight.

Blue looked up at me, "No. I just thought you might want a little more contact. We've barely been together for over a week..."

I sighed heavily and nuzzled him, "I know. I'll make it up to you..."

Blue shook his head, sitting up. He took the robe off. He had his nightgown underneath, "I don't mean it like that. I mean you deserve to feel some contact and love after all your hard work... and I know you just like holding me..."

He settled himself in my lap after that, curled up for sleep as I just hugged him. I turned the tv off and set my empty bottle aside. Then I curled around my little Blue. And boy was he right... just warm, basic contact made me relax more than even a massage could. I nuzzled into his neck and sighed, "Thank you..." I breathed against his bones. He smiled against my shoulder, "You're welcome... I love you..."

"I love you too..."

And we fell asleep like that.

(Blue)

My poor Dusty. He's so tired and worn out...

I woke up to two extra warm bodies. Fury and Sprinkle had come in sometime in the night and wiggled their way between us. Dust was practically unconscious, snoring loud enough to rock a straw house. But our boys didn't mind one bit. Fury even had his face pressed up against Dusts chest.

They were so precious. So dedicated to their papa. Every show and tell they had, they tried to bring something Dust related. Spare work boots. An old torn shirt. Cool looking broken metal pieces Dust brought home to show them. They begged and begged to have him come for career day but I haven't had the chance to ask him if he could take the time for it. He normally saved his days off for other things, but he would always do anything for his boys.

I looked down to see Sprinkle watching me with sleepy eyes. Kissing his head, I smiled, "Hey baby..."

Sprinkle looked up, "Does papa know what day is tomorrow...?"

I shook my head, "I don't think so. He's so tired... but remember what we talked about?"

He brightened and nodded, "Yeah!"

"Good. Then we can start that while papa rests today okay? We wanna give him as much time as we can so he's awake for tomorrow..."

Sprinkle nodded and giggled softly. He was excited now. He shifted to snuggle into me instead, purring cutely, "I love you mama..."

Fury was just as deep of a sleeper as Dust. He didn't notice or care as his brother basically crawled over him to get to me. He just sleepily snuggled closer to Dust.

I smiled and hugged him close. Our boys were the best. We had a slow wake up this time around, and it was nice. Dust still didn't wake up even as the boys both did. So I had them sneak out of bed to go get dressed. I got up and got a quick shower.

It was Saturday. And every Saturday was pancake day. So I started gathering everything, looking at the boys as they came downstairs. I smiled, "Alright, why don't you two go play while I make breakfast okay? Then we can work on Papa's surprise for tomorrow."

Dust was so exhausted he had no idea what tomorrow was. I was planning a surprise birthday party for him with the boys. Dust was always focused  on his boys or me, not himself. So of course he would forget his own birthday. Since he usually celebrated with his brother, I knew it was painful sometimes since his brother passed. So it was going to be a little celebration just with him, the boys, and Dust. He'd probably sleep all day today so I would have plenty of time to do what I needed to do.

Soon I was finished with breakfast and called the boys back. They came tumbling in, going to sit at the table. I gave them both a plate and made a plate for Dust, covering it in tin foil for whenever he woke up. I wouldn't rush him. 

I sat down to eat with the boys, "Okay, mama's gonna be making Papa's cake okay? You boys make your special pictures while I'm busy. If you hear papa wake up, hide your pictures and go stall him upstairs."

Both boys nodded and giggled. They were excited to give their papa a surprise for his birthday. I was excited to. Dust deserved so much better than being exhausted all the time. I was hopeful he'd find a better job. But he needed to keep this one until he found a second one. We simply couldn't afford for him to be in between jobs.

After breakfast was finished, I got it cleaned up. I got the dishwasher running and began my preparations for tomorrow. Including calling our restaurant to confirm we had reservations. It was Dust's favorite restaurant and reservations were weeks in advance. I just had to confirm they still had the one I made a month ago.

The call went well and I smiled, setting my phone down. I went to check on the boys, each making something for their papa. We had gone shopping last week for gifts, but they really wanted to make him pictures. They were both having fun, and I just watched for a bit. Then I went to the fridge, pulling out the cake I had baked the other day. I had to decorate it for tomorrow. 

Soon Sprinkle came running in, "Mama! Mama! I hear papa!" he said in a loud whisper voice. I smiled, "Okay baby, go say good morning to him," I said before picking up the half finished cake. I put it in the fridge. Now the real mission today would be hiding it from Dust. 

I heard two little rambunctious boys hurry upstairs and smiled. Maybe hiding it would be easier than I thought. Those boys would keep him busy all day.

(Dust)

I was having a slow morning. Until I felt two heavy warm bodies jump onto me.

"PAPA!" they cried simultaneously, tackling me for morning snuggles. If it still was morning. 

I laughed, hugging them as I was pinned down, "Hey, boys..." I said, smiling at them as they both looked up at me. They were grinning widely, just holding me down.

"You're trapped, papa!" Fury said proudly, hugging my middle.

"Oh no, am I? What am I gonna do?" I said, looking at the ceiling.

"Nothing! You're staying!" Sprinkle piped up, giggling loudly. They seemed very proud of having pinned me to the bed like this. So I just smiled and flopped back dramatically to please them.

"Oh no! I am trapped forever!"

This earned happy squeals and even more giggles from my boys. It warmed my soul up so much. I thrived on these moments, no matter how tired I was. These were my boys, loving on me. The giggles died down slowly and it wound up us just being snuggly together. I didn't try to move much. I was soaking up this wondrous feeling. I held still especially as I felt Sprinkle fall asleep on me. Fury was still awake, happily nuzzling me periodically.

A warm, lazy, loving Saturday. I didn't get this very often. I wondered where my dear husband was, but with my boys here, I was content. 

Something amazing smelling came closer and I turned my head. I smiled, seeing my dear husband with a tall stack of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. A purr escaped me, making Fury start giggling softly again. Blue just smiled down at me as he sat down, "Hello my love..."

I smiled, "Hello, my dear Berry..."

He smiled more and then offered me a bite. Since I was trapped, I couldn't eat myself. So I took the bite and let Blue slowly feed me while I was buried under my boys. This day felt so amazing...

Halfway through, I hummed, "How long did I sleep in?" I asked Blue softly.

Blue smiled, wiping my face, "It's almost one..."

I frowned, sighing softly. So much of the day was gone. So much time missing with my boys...

Blue kissed my head, "Don't be upset... they actually came into our bed overnight. I had them get up to let you sleep," he said, offering me more food, "They love just being near you, Dust, awake or not."

I sighed, "True... but it feels like they spend more time with me than I do with them, if I sleep so much..."

Blue smiled, "I know... but they eat up every second, no matter what... we have some plans for tomorrow, so I want you to rest up. I need my hubby," he said as he nuzzled me lovingly. I  nuzzled back, purring softly. I loved Blue so much. He was so sweet to me. 

I nodded, "Okay Berry... I'll take it easy today, for you... besides, I don't think the boys will let me move any time soon."

Blue giggled and gave me another bite, "Good. I like having you trapped. I can spoil you like this."

I snorted and rolled my eyes, but took the bite. Of course Blue liked having me trapped. He probably put the boys up to this. I wouldn't put it past him to do such a thing. He likes being sneaky. 

Scratch that. Blue loves being sneaky.

(Blue)

I hummed, sitting there and petting Dust's skull as we relaxed in bed. He purred softly under my touch, leaning into my hand. Both boys just laid on him, Sprinkle fast asleep and Fury just snuggling. It felt so calm and quiet.

Leaning down, I kissed his head, "I gotta get up okay? I need to clean up the kitchen."

Dust shifted, "Lemme help..."

"No, no... you stay with the boys. It's just the kitchen," I told him. He whined as I got up, but I smiled, "You stay put and enjoy our boys while they're peaceful. They'll be dragging you around to play later today, I have no doubt."

Dust pouted but looked down as Fury crawled up closer to take my spot, tucking his head under Dust's chin. He's done that since he was an infant and I saw Dust's eyes just sparkle as he wrapped his arm around his boy.

I smiled, and left them be. They would be fine up here. I had to finish that cake and make some slow dinner. 

I got a crock pot stew going as I sat down and worked on the cake. I would make it amazing for Dust. He deserved all the best. 

When I heard stirring upstairs, I put the cake away. Just in time, too, as I turned around to see Dust walking downstairs with both boys hanging onto him. They were pretty big, so it wasn't an easy feet to carry them together. But Dust was so strong, he's always been strong, even as he was tired. The chuckle escaped me, "What are you two monkeys doing to your poor papa?" I asked, going over to them.

The boys just giggled playfully, "The floor is lava!"

"Oh, so you're going to just let papa burn in the lava?"

"NO! Papa is a super robot! He can't get burned!" Sprinkle defended, "He's gonna put us on the island so we don't catch fire!"

"What about me?" I asked, hands on my hips.

The boys were quiet for a bit before Fury pointed, "LAVA MONSTER! RUN AWAY PAPA!"

I grinned evilly, given my new role. Dust turned and 'jogged' away as I went after him, "Come back here! The lava monster's hungry!"

The boys squealed and Sprinkle gripped Dust harder, "SAVE US PAPA! AHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Around the couch we went, through the living room, past the recliner, back to the kitchen, down the hallway, and back to the couch. Then Dust hit his shin on the coffee table, hard. He yelled in pain, falling back onto the couch. Both boys lost their smiles and I hurried over, "Dusty?"

He looked up, "I'm fine, I'm fine, I promise..."

Both boys pouted and got up. Sprinkle ran to get his blankie and Fury ran to the kitchen. Both boys came back quickly, Sprinkle with his special stuffed unicorn and his blankie, and Fury with a bag of frozen peas and one of our little ice cream drumsticks I keep in the freezer for quick desserts.

Dust didn't notice until they crawled onto him, "Papa! Papa!" Sprinkle gave him his unicorn and then put his blanket over his chest. It was only a 3 foot by 3 foot square blanket but Sprinkle covered him. Fury put the peas where Dust had hit his leg and then gave him the ice cream, "Papa, eat it, it will make you feel better..."

They both settled as Dust sat there stunned, holding a stuffed unicorn and an ice cream cone. They cuddled close, "We're sorry papa..." Sprinkle said.

"Don't be mad papa, we'll make you feel better..." Fury said.

I was also a little stunned, but just beamed, "Boys..." I said softly.

Dust looked down, smiling, "Thank you, boys... I feel better already," he said. He cuddled them close and slowly ate the ice cream, his leg kicked out. It would probably just be a little bruise, but he ate up his boys caring for him. 

I smiled, "Oh hey, I have dinner slow cooking today. Wanna watch a movie?"

Dust looked up. He nodded, "Yeah, okay."

I smiled, going to grab some snacks. Then I sat with my boys and husband. Dust scrolled through a few movies until the boys piped up what they wanted to watch. So we settled with the big couch blanket and watched The Lion King.

We ended up sitting like that for hours, watching movie after movie. Lion King 2, Beauty and the Beast, and then Sprinkle begged for us to watch Mulan. Dust struggled through the last two. He kept nodding off. He woke up a bit more when I brought everyone a bowl of stew to enjoy while watching the movie, but had barely finished before he was dozing off again.

As the end of Mulan came closer, even the boys were dozing off. I smiled and tucked them in on the couch, letting them all curl up and get comfy. I took the now thawed and ruined bag of peas to the kitchen, sighing to myself. Fury probably grabbed these on purpose. He hated peas.

But I tossed the mushy soggy mess into the trash, cleaning up the kitchen from dinner. Afterwards I went upstairs and got dressed. I went back downstairs to check on my boys, finding the three of them fast asleep still. 

Grabbing another blanket, I went to the recliner. I leaned back and relaxed, sleeping nearby in case Dust or the boys woke up, needing to go upstairs. But I yawned, relaxing slowly and falling asleep there.

(Dust)

The light slowly leaked into the living room, crossing my face. I squinted sleepily and looked around, seeing the boys sleeping on me still. We were in the same position we'd been in last night after the movie ended. Except all the dishes and snacks were cleaned up. I slowly gazed around before spotting my little Berry in the recliner, curled up with a blanket. A smile crossed my face as I realized he probably let us sleep and cleaned up. But Blue was very cuddly, so no wonder he slept down here with us. Even if there was no space, Blue always wanted to be nearby.

Shifted, I frowned, and felt something a little damp and cold on my leg. Sprinkle was laying on top of me, and we had never gotten ready for bed. So he didn't have his pull up on. I just smiled softly and slowly sat up. The boys were groggy as I got up. But I picked them both up, taking them upstairs for a quick morning bath. Luckily or not, most of the mess was on the blanket and on me, so the couch was fine.

They woke up a little more as I got them ready and put them in the tub, "Good morning boys..."

Sprinkle leaned on me sleepily, "Morning papa... did I make a mess again...?" he asked sleepily.

I kissed his head, "yeah buddy, but it's okay... we all got comfy, don't worry."

He pouted. He was always embarrassed when he made messes. But I got them both washed up and more awake, getting them out and dried off, "Alright, lets get some clothes on okay? Then papa needs a shower."

They nodded, getting more excited. They went and picked out clothes. I got them both dressed and told them to go play quietly while I got a shower. 

I took a real quick, hot shower, put on some sweatpants, then gathered all the soiled clothes and the blanket. Stuffed those in the washer and started it to clean up. Then I went and woke Blue with a happy morning kiss. He hummed and opened his eyes, "Hi..."

I smiled back, "Hi... Sprinkle had an accident, but it's taken care of..."

He hummed and sat up, stretching, "Oh, sweet baby..." he said, "Have you had breakfast?"

"No," I said softly, "I wanted to make breakfast together, like we used to..."

Blue looked up and smiled, "Oh, that would be fun... but you promised me you'd take it easy. I told you we have plans today," he said, getting up, "I'm going to make breakfast for us. You go play with the boys. They have a new lego set they've been saving to play with you."

I sighed, "But Blue..."

"No buts, mister," he told me. I was a head taller but he poked my chest, "Besides, my man doesn't work on his birthday."

I chuckled, "What do you mean?"

Blue smiled, getting on tip toes to kiss me, "Happy birthday, Dusty... just relax for me, okay?"

I blinked, and then checked my phone. Dang. It was my birthday.

How did I forget that?

Blue giggled and nuzzled me, patting my chest, "Go! Play!" he said. "Shoo! Shoo!"

I chuckled and walked away, "Okay, okay, I'm going," I told him. Up the stairs I went, going to the boys' room. They looked up and smiled. Fury sat up, "Wanna play, Papa?"

I sat down, grunting softly from effort, "Yes I do. Mama said you had some legos to play with?"

Fury gasped and got up, going to get the box. He came back and sat down. It was a Disney lego set for a ship from the Moana movie. I smiled, opening it up with the boys to start building. They were so excited to actually start. So that became our morning project, building the Moana boat.

(Blue)

That was close. I loved cooking with Dust but he couldn't see the cake in the fridge. The whole surprise would be ruined. But I knew they'd all be happy and entertained for a long while. I just started making breakfast, Dust's favorite. Crispy hash, fried eggs, and toasted English muffins.

Giggling and happy talking floated down the stairs. I was so happy. They were bonding up there. It was so precious just to hear.

I finished breakfast and then went upstairs to check on them. Poking my head around the corner, I saw an adorable sight. Dust, sitting with a smile on his face, as he put together what looked like the sail of the boat while both boys worked together to build the full boat. I just leaned on the door and watched for a bit, smiling to myself. Then, because breakfast was getting cold, I lightly cleared my throat, "Boys, breakfast is ready."

Dust looked up and smiled, "Great. We'll be down in a bit," he said before telling the boys to find a stopping point. Both of them nodded and put their last pieces in before getting up. Together they pulled Dust up to his feet. He laughed, pretending he couldn't get up just because it was funny. Then he finally stood. He came and gave me a kiss, and then all four of us headed downstairs to go eat.

-------

I enjoyed a relatively slow morning. Dust spent a few hours upstairs with the boys after breakfast. They kept him around to play with legos, even though they had finished the kit. It wasn't until lunch time did I have to worry about them. They came down the stairs, clinging to Dust's legs so he was doing all the work of moving. 

A giggle escaped me and I put down my book, sitting up. "My my, such odd leg warmers you have there, Dusty," I said, getting up to go to them. Said leg warmers just giggled and said nothing. 

Dust smiled and kissed my nose, "I know right? But they work. Very warm." he said as he nuzzled me, "What's for lunch?"

I smiled, "I'll go make some sandwiches. You sit down with your fancy leg warmers," I told him. He chuckled and nodded, sitting down with a heavy huff.

He made a happy purr when I gave him a little hip wiggle as I left him be. I just went on my way to make some lunch, keeping him out of the kitchen to hide that cake. I made grilled cheese and tomato soup for all my boys. 

"Come and get lunch!" I called from the kitchen as I was finishing up. The rumbles of little feet came tumbling into the kitchen and I smiled as the boys got to their chairs. Dust was just behind them, smiling, "Aww, babe, you didn't have to cook sandwiches..."

I smiled, "Well, I wanted to. Plus, I made yours special," I said as he sat down. I gave him his plate and he beamed, "Three cheese grilled cheese?"

He kissed my cheek as I nodded, "You're the best, Blue..." 

Then he dug in happily. His favorite foods twice today. It was wonderful. I could see how happy he was. 

I hummed as we slowly finished lunch, "So, Dusty, I need you to dress nice tonight," I said, "We're all going out for dinner."

Dust wiped his face, "Nice? I was hoping to be lazy tonight."

I smiled, "Well, I need you dressed up nice. No buts, and no hints. You gotta dress up."

He sighed dramatically but smiled at me, "Well, I suppose so," he said softly. He reached over to squeeze my hand, "I love you Berry..."

I smiled and squeezed back, "I love you too, Dusty..."

(Dust)

Dress nice. Dress nice. I have to dress nice for tonight. But I only owned two dress shirts, and I grabbed my nice pants but there was a ripped seam. I sighed, and went to find Blue. Maybe he could fix them.  

"Blue?" I called softly.

He looked up from his reading. He tilted his head as he saw me holding my nice pants.

"There's a ripped seam..." I said softly.

He sat up, "Let me see," he said, holding his hands out. I handed him the pants and he looked them over, "Hmmm... I don't know if I have the time," he said, looking up, "Why don't you just wear the nicest, newest pair of jeans you have?"

I relaxed. I was worried he'd be upset. But I nodded, "Yeah, okay," I said, leaning down to give him a loving kiss. He smiled and kissed back, handing the pants back to me. Then I went upstairs to pick out my outfit. I found my nicest jeans, my dark purple button up, and decided to wear the bowtie Blue had gotten me for Christmas last year.

Blue came up to get the boys ready while I was still fighting with it. He paused and smiled, coming over to me. 

"Here, let me save you..." he said, reaching up and fixing the bow tie. He tied it properly, smiling a little to himself. He looked up as he straightened my shirt, "You look positively dashing."

I smiled, kissing his head. He smiled, "Okay, go wait downstairs for me," he told me as he pat my back.

"Okay," I said before leaving him to get ready. The boys were waiting for their mother to get them dressed.

I was only downstairs for about ten minutes before the boys came running down. They went up to me, "Papa! Papa! Papa look!" Sprinkle said, bouncing. 

They both looked very nice. They had black dress pants on and shiny dress shoes. Sprinkle had a powder blue button up with a lavender clip on bowtie. Fury had a bright shiny red button up with a dark purple clip on bowtie. 

I grinned, "Such fine looking gentleman!" I said as they came over to hug me, "You boys look fantastic."

Then I looked up as I heard Blue come down. And I was speechless.

Blue was wearing a sapphire blue, glimmering silk dress, with a single shoulder loop that made it look like the gown merely wrapped around his body, ending in a layered drape on the hem. It was cinched up the same side that was strapless. There was a strap around his waist, in a slightly lighter shade of sparkling blue, that tied in a big fat bow at the small of his back. 

He smiled at me, coming over, "Dusty, if you  keep gaping at me like that, flies are gonna go into your mouth," he said softly, gently closing my mouth before giving me a little peck.

I chuckled, "I can't help it. You're gorgeous," I said, gazing over him. He was so lovely looking. 

He giggled, "Thank you. Go load the boys up. I have to get something." 

I nodded, watching him leave. Then I gathered the boys, "Come, you heard mama. Time to load up!"

They smiled and rushed to the car. I got them both in their carseats, buckling them up with a soft hum. Then I got into the driver's side, waiting for Blue. 

I was confused when Blue opened the back hatch and put something in the car. Then he closed it, coming to the passenger's side. He smiled at me, "Okay, let's go."

The car was started up and I pulled out, heading to the end of our neighborhood, "So... where am I going?" 

Blue hummed, putting his phone in the clip holder, "Follow the directions," he said.

I smiled, checking the GPS before following directions. We were maybe halfway there before I began to suspect where we were going. Slowly, a grin crept onto my face. As we pulled into my favorite restaurant, I parked and looked at Blue.

"How long have you been planning this?" I asked softly. He beamed at me, "A while," was his only answer. Then he got out. I got out as well, getting the boys out. Blue went to the back hatch and pulled out a box.

The boys' held my hands as we went up to the restaurant. Blue was beside me, carrying that box. I was curious what was in the box. He had said it was my birthday. Maybe it was a gift.

We got inside and got seated after Blue placed his name for the reservation. We were sat near the fireplace. I looked around, smiling as the memories came back. Me and Blue had our first date here. We came here when we found out about Blue's pregnancy. I came here with my brother to celebrate his remission...

Blue gently grabbed my hand and smiled softly, "Hey..." he said softly, drawing me out of my thoughts. Tonight wasn't about what happened with my brother. It was about me, and I was still coming to terms with that idea. I wasn't used to it. 

But with Blue's touched, I smiled and squeezed back, "Thank you for bringing me here."

He smiled more, "Happy birthday, Dusty."

Sprinkle sat up in his booster, "Happy birthday Papa!"

Fury giggled and kicked his feet, "Happy birthday Papa!"

I smiled at all three of them, "You make me feel so special..."

Blue smiled, just holding my hand. The box was sitting on a spare chair at the table. I was very curious but I didn't ask. Right now all that mattered was my husband and my boys.

The boys were busy coloring on their kid's menus. Blue just continued to hold my hand as we looked over the menus. I loved this place. The food was so good. We couldn't afford to come here often. But I was so happy Blue made this happen.

Blue hummed, "I'm thinking of getting the Beef wellington..." he said. I nodded, scanning the menu, "That sounds good, but so does that New York strip."

Blue looked at it, "Well, I can give you a bite of mine."

I hummed, "Maybe... but also I might go with my usual." I usually always got the lamb chops.  They were just so good here. 

Blue smiled, "That sounds good. I've just never had a Wellington before. So I'm curious."

Fury looked up, "I want the crispy fish!" he said. I smiled. My boys were very adventurous eaters. 

Sprinkle had to think as he wiggled in his chair, "Papa what does that say?" he asked, pointing at his menu. I leaned over and read it for him, "Fettuccini. It's a type of noodle," I told him. The boys were learning to read slowly. They struggled with larger words. 

Sprinkle smiled, "I love noodles! I can I get that?" he asked. I smiled and rubbed his skull, " Of course. It has chicken and cheesy sauce, is that okay?" 

He nodded with a big smile and went back to coloring. Fury was settled too after his announcement of wanting crispy fish. I chuckled, watching my boys. They were really great little boys.

Blue smiled, squeezing my hand before looking up as the waiter approached. We all ordered our food, just getting water for drinks. 

I looked at Blue, "So, seriously, how long have you been planning this?" I asked him.

Blue smiled, "About two months. I was glad to see you had your birthday off, because I knew you'd forgot to ask about it. You asked about a bunch of other dates and completely skipped over your own birthday."

I blushed in embarrassment, "Well... I wanted to be available for the boys..."

Blue leaned over and nuzzled me, "I know," he said softly, gazing at me, "But you matter too, Dusty."

I smiled, "Thanks for reminding me..." I told him softly. We sat in a happy silence for a bit. I leaned over and kissed his cheek,  "You look beautiful by the way. I love the dress."

Blue giggled sweetly, "I got it just for you."

"Well, it's perfect."

Just then, our food arrived. Fury looked up and bounced excitedly for his fish and chips basket. Both boys chorused "Thank you!" when our food was delivered. The waiter just chuckled, "You're welcome."

As the waiter left, I looked at Blue's plate. He had gotten the Wellington, and it looked delicious. Filet mignon wrapped in delicious flaky pastry with a mushroom duxelle layered around it and a luscious looking wine sauce, with a side of buttery garlic roasted potatoes. I just got my usual; delectable lamb chops with an herb mint pesto, almost gravy looking sauce, with purple, white, and orange carrots in a sweet glaze.

Fury had crispy fried fish with thick cut fries. Sprinkle had fettuccini alfredo with juicy grilled chicken in a kid's size portion.

We all dug in and it was so enjoyable. This place had amazing food. 

Maybe the reason I always got what I did was because I had it the night I came here with my brother. We were celebrating his remission. But he was only in cancer remission for six months. It came back with a vengeance and then he was gone. So I think I got my usual because it was part of one of my last happy memories of my brother.

Blue nudged me, holding a bite of his Wellington. It dragged me back out of my thoughts as I tried it. He smiled as I ate it, humming, "Hmmm... it's good, really good."

Blue nodded, "It is!" he said, "I love it."

I smiled, gazing at him. He always seemed to know when I needed to be distracted. He was the perfect partner. The boys were only two when my brother passed. And without Blue, I don't know how I would've handled it. He was sweet, strong, organized, and determined. He made me get up every day, take care of the boys, go to work. He made it worth coming home, being awake, and being active. He made every day worthwhile.

He made life worth living. 

As dinner wrapped up, the waiter came over and set down four little plates, with forks. I was confused, until Blue picked up the box and opened it. More waiters gathered as our waiter lit the candles on the cake clearly made by my beloved. It was perfect, so how could it not be made by Blue? A two tiered cake with dark chocolate frosting, decorated with candied cherries and chocolate rosettes. My favorites...

They began to sing happy birthday as Blue sat there, singing with them, holding my hands. 

Tears fell down my face. My soul swelled up. I hadn't properly, out rightly celebrated my birthday in ages. I wasn't a big party person. This wasn't a party, and yet I feel so special. 

The singing wrapped up and the waiters left. Blue cut the cake, serving up each of us a slice of the chocolate cherry cake. The boys dug in excitedly. Having to refrain from talking or eating cake for three days really got to them. I took a bite and smiled, leaning over to kiss Blue firmly. He was truly amazing.

We ate quietly. I had to dab my face with a napkin to dry the happy tears. I finished two pieces of cake. But I looked at the boys and just smiled. They were growing sleepy, with full bellies. They were both struggling to stay awake.

Blue called for the check and packed up the cake. He paid with cash, which surprised me, but we both just stood up. Blue took the cake as I picked up both boys, carrying them quickly to the car. I got them buckled in and then got in the driver's seat as Blue buckled up beside me.

The drive home felt quick. The boys fell asleep on the way. Blue and I each grabbed a kid, carrying them upstairs. We got them changed for bed, never waking them up, and just tucked them in the same bed so they could cuddle up to each other. Sprinkle had his pull up on this time so no accidents, hopefully. 

Blue ran down to get the cake put away as I finished tucking in the boys, kissing their heads. I made sure their nightlight was on and the door was shut so they could sleep. I went and got changed. 

Blue came back as I was sitting on the bed. He went and got changed into a nightgown in front of me. It was kind of early, so I had time to get some real rest. I might even be able to help the boys get ready for school in the morning. Then it was back to working third shift all week. I don't think I'll do a double again. That was too rough. I just need to go back to my 12am-8am schedule. 

Blue crawled into bed as I laid down with a heavy sigh. He smiled, cuddling up to me. I wrapped my arm around him, kissing his head, "Thank you, Berry..."

He hummed, "For what?" he whispered.

"For my birthday. For the cake. For dinner..." I said, rubbing his back, "For my boys... for everything, Blue. You make everything special."

Blue smiled up at me, kissing my cheek, "Because I married a special man."

I smiled, "I don't always feel it. I'm glad you're here to remind me."

He smiled more and kissed me properly before laying down. He yawned and cuddled up to me. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, just feeling his body. He was so wonderful.

Blue makes every day special. But today he made me special.

As I drifted off to sleep with him in my arms, I just thought to myself, Today has been the best day ever.

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(A second page in one week! I feel so accomplished. It's also longer than I thought I'd be able to do.

Enjoy, everybody! - Tex)