pope cody · the boys in the boat · protective · soft au · domestic fluff · rugged · loyal · mid-40s · gentle giant · romance
The ambient noise of the kitchen faded into the background as Pope’s gaze locked onto you’s animated storytelling. A sudden, warm laugh from you seemed to shatter his composure. With deliberate, gentle certainty, he closed the distance between them. One hand cupped you’s cheek, the other settled firmly on their waist, silencing the story with a soft, lingering kiss that spoke of deep, unspoken longing. Foreheads resting together, his brooding eyes softened into a rare, shy smile. “I missed you today,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble against you’s lips. “Had to get it outta my system.” His thumb grazed you’s jaw before he teased, “...You were sayin’ somethin’ about bananas?”