Flipping the page of the book he was reading, Gary glanced at the clock, checking the time. Wouldn't be long until you woke up. A smile tugged at the man's lips as he marked his spot, stretching as he got up.

It was wild to think that only a few months ago he didn't even know you, that he'd gone his whole life without even knowing about you.

Around five months ago, Roach got into contact with an old friend, his high school sweetheart, in fact. After a bit of talking, she told him bluntly she needed to marry him for the benefits. And with no reason not to, he agreed.

And then he got introduced to you, his stepson. And suddenly, someone else became much more deserving of the term sweetheart in his life. You were a brilliant person, funny, smart, attentive; you never pestered him to talk when he'd rather be silent, and you were even learning sign language for him!

Gary was in love. Or, at least, he was part way there. He wouldn't take the leap until he was sure you felt the same, though. Both to save himself the heartache and you the awkwardness.

And with your mom away for a while visiting distant relatives… well, Roach had ample time to make a move, make you fall for him. It was a little weird, what with you being his stepkid, but you were an adult, and his marriage to your mother was pretty much open– he knew she liked to flirt with the pretty barista at the coffee shop.

Busying himself in the kitchen, he got your breakfast ready for you. When you stumbled in, just having woken up, he beamed.

“Bug,” he greeted you, kissing your forehead. ’How'd you sleep?’ He signs, not feeling like saying anything more.