A oneshot originally posted on White Day! This takes place after the events of issue #7, so you might be confused if you haven’t read it. Also!! The title comes from 4.00 AM by Taeko Ohnuki, the fic does NOT take place at 4 am lol
4:00 AM
"You have a lovely family, Jeremy. Full of life, like you."
Jeremy preened under Cee's compliment as he softly closed the door to his bedroom, careful to not wake up his children. They could sleep there, just for tonight.
"Thanks! Not gonna lie, they're a handful sometimes. Guess I really understand how you felt back then with the twins, Cee." It felt so foreign to call her like that. For Jeremy, she's always been Ms. Doremi. The pretty and wonderful Ms. Doremi.
The pair made their way downstairs, where they parted for a moment. Cee went to the living room, while Jeremy walked to the kitchen and reached out for a can of Bonk! Atomic Punch. Old habits die hard, and he could barely indulge in it while the kids were around. He had to set a good example, after all. And the last thing he needed was his children addicted to soda like he was. Maybe he should just do like his mom and start drinking wine. He's heard it's good for the heart or something. Spy knew a lot about wines, he'd have to call him sometime to ask.
But right now, there was something more important to focus on. That is, the beautiful old friend waiting for him in the living room.
He took a sip of the drink as he plopped down next to Cee on the couch with a weary sigh. God, she looked so pretty no matter how much time passed. This woman made him feel like his younger self again, when he was still a mercenary desperately chasing after girls. Years later, she still had this fluttering effect on him.
"Y'know, Cee," he started, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "The kids freakin' adore you. They love it when you're around."
Cee smiled softly, scooting closer. "I'm very fond of them too. They will grow up with a loving father and family that cares for them. They are very lucky children."
"And, uh, y'know… I was thinking that I'd like- I mean, it'd be nice if we… you…"
Jeremy took a long swig of his can, a poor attempt to calm his beating heart. Fucking hell, this was hard. But he can't chicken out now. Not after 7 years of missing her. Man up, Willis, you're a father now.
He set the can aside and took her hand on his, caressing her knuckles with his thumb.
"I want you to be part of the family, Cynthia. My family."
His heart was wildly thumping inside his chest as he waited for her answer. Her long silence was not comforting. Fuck, what if she didn't see him that way at all? What if he made it awkward now? What if she leaves like his past wives did?
His racing mind stopped dead in its tracks when he felt something warm on his skin. Cee looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with adoration as she cupped his cheek.
"Jeremy... do you mean it?" she asked softly.
He leaned in closer, his nose brushing against hers as he gazed deep into her eyes. He could see the worry and the love warring within them, and it made him want to chase away all of it.
"I've missed ya for a long time, Cynthia," he whispered. "I don't wanna lose you again."
With that, Jeremy closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. It was filled with all the pent-up longing and desire that had been building up inside him throughout the years. She meant so much to him, and he wanted her to know it.
Cee's hand slid down to the back of his neck, her fingers tangling in his soft hair as she
deepened the kiss. He could feel the heat of her body, the beating of her heart, and it
ignited a fire within him.
When they pulled away, they were both panting as he rested
his forehead against hers, a look of awe on his face.
"I wished to do that for so long," Cee murmured softly with a laugh.
He smiled back as
he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and savoring the feeling of her body
pressed against his. He could get used to this.
"Well, princess, get ready. ‘Cause we got lots to catch up and the Smooch Train just departed from the station!" Jeremy grinned, leaning in to press more kisses to her face, peppering each inch with his lips. Cee laughed under his love assault, and he relished on the lovely sound. He missed it so much. He missed her so much.
Yes, he could get used to this.