Settled Down Shipping Meme

If you were ever given a yearbook superlative, you'd probably never be in the running for "Most Likely to Settle Down," but here you are...and all it took was the right person.

RULES!
❧ Leave a comment with your character's name, fandom, and any preferences you have.
❧ When replying, RNG for a number between 1 and 15. The number corresponds to the scenario that you will play out in whatever way you want to.
❧ Go from there!

THE LIST!
01] baby
Suddenly, there's a new addition to your family! Are you expecting? Adopting? Struggling to find the perfect name for your child? Or maybe you're up at a ridiculous hour in the morning because they're crying like crazy.

02] just married
Congratulations! You and your loved (?) one are about to start a whole new life together! It's time for the honeymoon...

03] house hunting
Are you seeking out an apartment? A dream house? Or just any old place, as long as you're with your other? Make sure to weigh your options very carefully...

04] household chores
It's time to clean/cook/garden/take care of something! Do you work together, or does one of you hide until everything is done?

05] shopping
Whether it's for furniture, groceries, or something in between, shopping is something that everybody must do at some point in time! What varies is if they like it or not.

06] family vacation
WE'RE OFF TO DIDNEY WOOOOOOOOORL or wherever
... well, as long as the kids are happy, right...? You may not be happy (or maybe you are), but it's mainly about ~family bonding~.

07] romantic retreat
It's you and your loved one's anniversary, and you decide it's time to take some time off and take them somewhere nice, where you only have each other.

08] comfort
Is somebody sick in bed? Or perhaps they just had a bad day? Sometimes, a good breakfast in bed or a home-cooked meal can really lift the spirits! Or perhaps you want to try medicine, or laughter, or something else?

09] pet
Suddenly, you have another addition to the family! Is it a puppy? A kitty? A fierce dragon? Whatever it is, make sure to give it a name and to take good care of it!

10] holiday
Happy birthday/New Years/Christmas/Valentine's Day/whatever! It's a very special day that only comes once a year, so make it count!

11] argument
Oh, no, who left the stove on... Or maybe it's about why they were out late last night? Either way, there is a lot of tension today, and one of you may or may not be sleeping on the couch tonight.

12] making up
It's time to make amends for that fight/divorce/whatever you had before! After all, you love each other... right?

13] surprise, surprise
You are feeling rather loving tonight, so you want to remind the other person how much you cherish and appreciate them... if it's by something cute and adorable or hot and sexy is completely up to you.

14] proposal
~~SHUT UP THIS TOTALLY FITS~~ You've been with your other for what feels like forever, and finally you want to tie the knot with them. Will you go down on one knee before them, or get a little creative?

15] other
I know I'm forgetting like a bajillion and one different things here, so this is the option for that!

Together/Committed
In the Beginning: You've moved in together and are learning the boundaries, both sexual and non, of living with a partner.
Not Mom's House Anymore: You're young and starting out; it's crazy to live by yourself instead of with your family! Luckily, your lover can give you things mother never gave you.
Sweep It Under the Rug: Chores can be boring, but you can make them fun, right? After all, you look so good bent over the table while you're dusting.
Naked Apron: Nothing's better than breakfast in bed. Except when you're served it with your baby wearing nothing but the apron they used to make all that bounty.
Letting It All Hang Out: Benefit of being in your own house? Running around naked. This doesn't have to change when you're living with someone.
There's Someone Else...for Both of Us: Three's a crowd, except when two agreed on it.
Spicing Things Up: Sometimes, constantly seeing someone can rub you the wrong way, and intimacy can get rote and boring. That's why slipping a new kink in every now and again isn't a bad idea, especially if it's something that one of you has really wanted to try.
I'll Take Care of You: Everyone deserves to be pampered, and you're letting your partner soak up the best of your home and the best of you.
Proving Your Love: You want to show your lover that you care for them like no one else. After all, you're living with them, not anyone else!
Becoming Comfortable With You: After a while, they've become like another part of you, one you can show or tell anything to, even about how hard you want them to thrust into you or how you want them to suck your -
Suspicious Minds: Jealousy brought from the outside is making one of you antsy. Can a serious fucking session prove that there's no roaming minds here?
Christening the New Place: You've moved into a new home. Unpacked everything? Good! Now it's time to have sex on every surface so it's all totally yours.
Welcome Home: One half of the household has been away - on a trip, at war, at an anime convention, whatever. Now, it's up to the other half to make their welcome wagon the best there ever was.
Cultural Differences: Different cultures have different ideas about home, about coupling, and about the stuff that goes on between the sheets. Can you work it out?
Home-Cooked Meal: Believe it or not, there are even better uses for apple pie than eating it.
I'm Not Used to This: This is your first time in a "committed" relationship, having a home, or both. How are you adjusting? Is it still hard to be touched, be loved, or use a proper bed?
Here Out of Convenience: It's not like you really like them or anything! This is only a roof over your head and a warm hole to fuck.
You're Just Being Used: You're getting a benefit from your relationship that isn't purely sexual, like wealth, power, or control. But in order to keep things in line, you have to keep your partner happy and sexually fufilled.
Keeping You Here: You can't let them slip away, so you'll use your body to keep them ensnared.
Territorial: Your house, your things - they belong to you, and that can give you a rush. Maybe you want to show your lover that they're yours, too.
I Have to Stay: You don't want to be caught up in this, but you're making yourself stay and keeping yourself in bed with the "enemy."
Now I Only Want You Gone: You want this person out of your life, and there are few stronger ways to send this message than make a cuckold of them. Preferably when they know it.
Tell Me More: You want to know if this whole "playing house" thing is all it's cut out to be.
Proving them All Wrong: They said you'd never, ever find someone. Now, you're showing them just what kind of catch you've got yourself by not taking your hands off what you've earned.
Forced Together: Be it expectations or arranged marriage, you two are stuck together. Of course, such contracts involve a certain amount of physical action, like producing heirs.
Keeping Up Appearances: You want to look successful in life, and part of that involves being in a sexual relationship. Or perhaps you want to hide something about yourself.
Argument: Ugh, they put their feet on the table! They broke your favorite vase! They're so...so...hot when they're mad!
Making Up: You feel sorry for what you've said or done and will do anything to prove that. You just want to shower them with your affection (or not), or show them how much they're wanted.
Like Melted Butter: You want something, and the best way to get it is to butter them up and get under their skin - in a good way.
Starting a Family: Both of you are taking the next step and bringing a new life into this world, and there's one old fashioned way to do it.
Absolutely Glowing: So, one of you is pregnant. How has your sex life been affected by changing bodies and mood swings?
Kids Will Be Kids: Now you guys have rugrats to take care of, but don't forget to make time for the two of you. Alone adult time is important.
At-home Date: Break out the wine and the frozen pizza, it's time for a date at the house! Who says you need to go to a fancy dinner to get in the mood?
Lazy Day: Today we're not doing anything, we're just gonna stay in our bed. And all that entails.
Newlyweds: You two are more than committed. You've said your vows, for better or for worse. Hopefully, things will stay better, especially when you take things to the privacy of your room.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith: The relationship is forbidden for some reason, and to have it, you all had to run away and start a new life. Maybe you even have assumed identities! Is it painful that you can only be your true selves in the bedroom?
Tie Me to the Bed Post: The great thing about a well-furnished place is all the cool things you can find lying around that can be repurposed for other tasks. Like tying someone's arms or teasing someone's genitals.
Out of My Closet: Speaking of things lying around, how about a sexy show with those underused items in your wardrobe?
At Another Person's Home: Who cares that you're guests at somebody's house and they can hear you through the walls? Go for it!
With Another Person at Home: Who cares that you have a guest at your house and they can hear you through the walls? Go for it!
Way Down in Kokomo: You're on vacation. Sun, sand, surf, and 24/7 sex.
Finally Tamed: No one, including you, thought you'd ever be domestic. But this person and their sexual attention have brought you to your knees.

Other
The Help: A home can run more smoothly with hired help like maids and cooks. It's beneficial to show that help some well-deserved love now and then, too.
The Babysitter: Whether live-in or not, a babysitter goes through a lot and develops a bond with the kids. He or she may develop a bond with the parent(s), as well.
The Guest: You've been invited to this person's house - and their bed - and they're showing you the ultimate hospitality.
Siblings...or More: The two of you are related, but you live together like a couple. There are whispers...are they true?
Roommates with Benefits: You're not committed or exclusive, but it's nice to have somebody in the same house with you that you can be with when you need it.
Mister Fix-It: All homes sometimes need repairs. Maybe a qualified repair person can make other repairs, as well.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Being able to get away from work for a few days? Check. The fact that he had just managed to buy that villa with a garden and private beach with hard earned money he had been saving up? Check. Being able to surprise the girl he loved with the new villa? Check.

Although whether or not Aerith would be pleased with said surprise, Cloud doesn't know. During the trip, he did inwardly panic and wonder if he should decide last minute that they go to the Gold Saucer instead. But then he'd be running into Tifa and Elena and disturbing THEIR break. Especially as Tifa helped him with the villa decoration which he wouldn't have been able to do.

But there is no turning back now. As the two of them step onto the town bridge, he turns to Aerith.] Hold it!

[He said that a little abruptly. He is trying to look tough and casual but knowing Aerith is able to read him well, he suspects that she's going to tell something is up. If she hasn't already. He said before they were going to stay at the hotel.]

[Aerith was completely unaware of Clouds plans and blissfully remained that way. She liked when he did things like this. He worked so hard on surprises it never hurt to keep herself in the dark and enjoy them to the fullest! Not that she was really supposed to know that Cloud was up to something... He was bad at keeping secrets, so she kept them for him!

But she was really excited! Aerith wanted to ask a million and one questions and pester him until he told, but she was good and held herself back. Just happy to walk at his side with the brightest and sunniest of smiles. Until she was told to stop. So she did.

Coming to a full stop, Aerith held her hands behind her back and looked over at Cloud with a raised brow.] Yessir!

[Oh god, he's starting to inwardly panic again. Is this a bad idea?

If it goes really well, if she likes it, then he will be so happy. And then they will have a happy and blissful weekend - relaxing, going to the main beach or the private one, having fun surfing or swimming or sunbathing, making love in the villa, sleeping in in the morning, the possibilities were endless.

Then again, he might find out that she absolutely hates it and he screwed up. But Tifa told him that she'd really love it, right? Tifa wouldn't lie.

What's he doing? He's standing like an idiot doing nothing, probably looking incredibly nervous already. No, he's got to go through this. Ok, hands on his hips. 1....2.....3...] Uh....close your eyes.

[He was just so cute, like a scared puppy. She could see it in his eyes and wanted very much to throw herself into his arms and reassure him that everything would be okay.

The longer they stood the wider her smile became. Aerith cocked her head to the side expectantly, waiting for him to tell her why they'd stopped. She could be patient.

And then.. oh. Okay. Eyes closed.]

I can do that! So long as you're not up to anything fishy...

[Laughing, Aerith closed her eyes.]

[There's an awkward chuckle in reponse to her joke before he takes her hand and guides her slowly across the bridge and to their destination. No turning back now.

Soon, they reach the villa's door. Right. Show time. Awkwardly fumbles for the key in his pocket with his free hand, with the keys nearly falling out.]

Shit!

[But he catches them in time before he places the main key in the door, huffing with frustration, and turns it, opening the door before leading her inside.]

Keep your eyes closed.

[He leaves her hand to lock the door behind him before taking it again and guiding her to the living room. Tifa really has made an effort, with the bright curtains in front of the window showing the view of the private beach, along with the cosy-looking couches in surrounding the coffee table with flowers on it. Cloud lets go of Aerith's hand again to pull back the curtains and open the window a little to let the fresh breeze come in.

Taking a deep breath, he takes her hand a third time.] Uh....you can open them now.

Edited 2021-11-27 23:20 (UTC)

[When Cloud cursed she almost opened her eyes to look, but she was told to keep her eyes closed again. Sucking in a quick breath, Aerith nodded. Keep her eyes closed, she could do that. But it was so hard to do. She wanted to peek. Her eyes fluttered a bit and she was forced to squeeze them tight when she heard a lock turning and a door opening.

Cloud took her hand again and they were on the move again, this time she felt that she was inside. She turned her head this way and that, not able to see but when Cloud let her go and a fresh, sea breeze blew her way, Aerith smiled.

Hands were holding hers again and the smile widened.]

I can...?

[Slowly she let her right eye open. Then the other followed and she blinked, looking around in shock.] Where...? [Where was this place? It was beautiful. There were flowers! She laughed and looked up at Cloud with a questioning expression.] What is this?

Uh-huh.

[He watches in apprehension as she looks around, feeling hopeful when he sees her laughing.] Well, uh…..let’s say I bargained with a guy about half a year ago. So this place is now ours.

……..You uh…..like it?

Ours?

[Did she hear that right? This place was theirs? Just theirs? Together...?

Aerith's vision got a bit blurry right then and she lifted her hands to cover her mouth. Then she moved, launching herself at Cloud with a gasping sob. Arms went around his neck and she held onto him tight.]

I love it! Oh my god, you did this? ... This is... is... Oh, Cloud! This is wonderful!

[The second Aerith looks tearful Cloud begins to worry. Did he misread her?

Until she throws her arms around him and says she loves it. Phew, he was getting anxious there. He wraps his arms around her, a small and content smile to himself.

She loves it. She really does.] Kinda. Tifa was mostly in charge of doing the place up (he really owes her for that, he feels). But uh.....yeah. I bought the place and the stuff in it. And the small beach outside.

[And while he sounds a little awkward and sheepish, there's a small sense of pride in his voice as well. He tried to brush it off to the people who were in the know (and they weren't fooled) but the whole process of saving up, buying and making it look nice was hell. But it's done. And he's proud.]

And the beach?

[She pulled back a bit then, not hiding the fact that the tears had fallen. She wasn't ashamed. They were happy tears anyway.

The shock from the statement as well as the reality gave way to that happiness and Aerith laughed. Bright and cheerful and ended it with a kiss.]

I can't believe you did all this! [Even with help, she didn't care. This was from Cloud, from his heart and hard work. It was his surprise and Aerith loved it.] Can I... Can I look around?

[Y-yeah, she is crying. But he can tell it's in a happy way.

He's a little surprised when she kisses him but he responds by gently kissing her back before she lets him go, a little blush from how happy she is but a small smile back.]

Sure. C'mon, follow me. [And he gently takes her hand, beckoning her to come along.]

[Aerith was more certain in that moment than any before, that wherever Cloud went, she would follow. When her hand was taken, she nodded eagerly and rubbed her eyes with her other hand before she followed where he took her.

She was so happy there was a skip in her step. And if she pressed a little closer to Clouds side, could she be blamed? She had such a caring and lovable boyfriend, and she'd fight anyone who said otherwise.]

What made you do this? I haven't forgotten an anniversary have I?

Uh.....no. [He unlocks the back door, showing a terrace and some little stone steps which seem to go downwards. He gently guides her, his face blushing even more.]

Just......wanted to, I guess.

We don't really get breaks much. [Especially not him with the jobs he does. Less time together.] So I uh......thought sort that out.